by our College Data Analytics Team
[Public Policy](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-policy/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 19 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value public policy schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the public policy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Rice University earned the #1 spot for value among public policy schools in the Southwest Region. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of Rice University earn a median of $75,299 early in their careers. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%.
Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $22,341. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $51,095. That is a strong return on a $22,341 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Houston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $57,529. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $53,731. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public school located in the city of Richardson. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Dallas generally make around $43,837. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.
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The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #6 spot for public policy value this year. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $71,723. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #7 spot for public policy value this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $64,891. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants.
Dallas Baptist University placed #8 among the best values for public policy. Located in the city of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,190. Students borrow a median of $22,819 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Dallas Baptist University generally make around $48,822. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Southern Methodist University came in at #9 for value in public policy this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $19,615. Public Policy graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $40,434 early in their careers. Set against $19,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.