2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa earned the #1 spot for value among public policy schools in the The Plains States Region. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $46,054 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $21,577. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $61,239. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

3

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $68,303. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.