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9 Best Online MBA Programs in Public Administration for 2025

MBAGuide StaffMBAGuide.org Staff Updated onMarch 16, 2025
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Home / Public Administration

Online MBA Programs in Public Administration
Tuition, ROI, Graduate Salary, GMAT Requirements

10 Best Ranked | All AACSB Table | Compare | Salaries | Tuition | ROI | GMAT | How We Rank

$36,436

Average Tuition Public Administration

$83,816

Average Starting Salary Public Administration

554

Average GMAT Scores Public Administration

294

Average Student Enrollment Public Administration

Executive Summary for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration MBA Programs

The ranking team at MBAGuide.org, evaluated 9 online Public Administration MBA programs. Here is a summary of our comprehensive findings. Explore the details about the Public Administration MBA, compare schools, find states and cities where the degree is offered.

  • Starting salary for new MBA graduates in Public Administration is between $56,400 and $112,000 with an average of $111,053.
  • Online tuition in for Public Administration MBAs ranges between $14,096 to $59,391, with an average total tuition cost of $36,436
  • ROI for online programs in Public Administration ranges between 27% to 360%, with an average ROI return of 163%
  • A GMAT score between 405 and 663 with an average of 618 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program in Public Administration.
  • There are 16 campus and 9 online MBA Public Administration Programs.
  • Average student enrollment varies between 68 and 735 with an overall average of 294.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs offering a Public Administration concentration varies between 2:1 and 26:1 with an average of 14:1 students.
  • 9 MBA programs in Public Administration are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide: 8, US News: 3, Forbes: 3 and BW: 2.
  1. Comprehensive comparisons, data and analysis – MBAGuide conducts an in-depth analysis of 9 AACSB-accredited online MBA programs in Public Administration to find the top 9.
  2. Ranking metrics you care about – such as average starting salaries, tuition fees, return on investment (ROI), GMAT scores, alumni networks, student-to-faculty ratios, and more with no paywall.
  3. Detailed school profiles of Public Administration MBA programs their strengths, faculty expertise, alumni networks to help align your program choice

Best 9 MBA Programs in Public Administration


Jump to a Best Ranked Program
  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • College of William and Mary
  • Suffolk University
  • University of Baltimore
  • David B. O'Maley College of Business
  • Louisiana State University
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • University of Illinois at Springfield
  • University of South Carolina Aiken

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

University of Tennessee at Knoxville Haslam College of Business

Haslam College of Business

Location:

  • Knoxville

,

  • TN

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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  • Tuition: $38,875
  • Graduate Salary: $101,400
  • Graduate ROI: 161%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 663
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 24:1
  • Enrollment: 9151

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • E-MBA
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • Concentrations: 14
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Other
  • Public Administration
  • Supply Chain
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Tennessee
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in Tennessee
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Tennessee
  • Best Online Concentration Economics
  • Best Online Concentration Healthcare Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 2
  • National Rank: 49
  • Online Rank: 25
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

College of William and Mary

College of William and Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business

Raymond A. Mason School of Business

Location:

  • Williamsburg

,

  • VA

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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  • Tuition: $42,000
  • Graduate Salary: $112,000
  • Graduate ROI: 167%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 620
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Enrollment: 1580

Degree Level(s):

  • E-MBA
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Off Campus
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Partnership
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 8
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Virginia
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in Virginia
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Virginia
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Best Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 4
  • National Rank: 104
  • Online Rank: 70
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Suffolk University

Suffolk University Sawyer Business School

Sawyer Business School

Location:

  • Boston

,

  • MA

Control: Private

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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  • Tuition: $59,391
  • Graduate Salary: $80,455
  • Graduate ROI: 35%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 580
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Enrollment: 2276

Degree Level(s):

  • E-MBA
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Off Campus
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 23
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • E-Commerce
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • International Business
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Other
  • Public Administration
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Taxation
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Massachusetts
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in Massachusetts
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Massachusetts
  • Best Online Concentration E-Commerce
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 5
  • State Rank: 10
  • National Rank: 118
  • Online Rank: 81
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of Baltimore

University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business

Robert G. Merrick School of Business

Location:

  • Baltimore

,

  • MD

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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  • Tuition: $35,128
  • Graduate Salary: $77,400
  • Graduate ROI: 120%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 590
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Enrollment: 687

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Partnership
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 21
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • E-Commerce
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance
  • International Business
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Other
  • Public Administration
  • Real Estate
  • Taxation
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Maryland
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in Maryland
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Maryland
  • Best Online Concentration E-Commerce
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 2
  • State Rank: 3
  • National Rank: 133
  • Online Rank: 92
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

David B. O'Maley College of Business

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University David B. O'Maley College of Business

Daytona Beach Campus, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Location:

  • Daytona Beach

,

  • FL

Control:

Academic Year:

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation:

  • Tuition: not reported
  • Graduate Salary: $108,000
  • Graduate ROI: Not Reported
  • GMAT Required:
  • Avg. GMAT: 610
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 8:1
  • Enrollment: 464

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Online
  • Concentrations: 30
  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Consulting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • E-Commerce
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Information Systems
  • Innovation Management
  • International Business
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Nonprofit
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Public Administration
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Science and Technology
  • Statistics
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainability
  • Taxation
  • Best in:
  • Best Online Concentration Consulting
  • Best Online Concentration E-Commerce
  • Best Online Concentration Ethics
  • Best Online Concentration Innovation Management
  • Best Online Concentration Nonprofit
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 3
  • National Rank: 158
  • Online Rank: 108
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University E.J. Ourso College of Business

E. J. Ourso College of Business

Location:

  • Baton Rouge

,

  • LA

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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  • Tuition: $50,486
  • Graduate Salary: $64,142
  • Graduate ROI: 27%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 540
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Enrollment: 2745

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 12
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Best in:
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in Louisiana
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Louisiana
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 4
  • National Rank: 311
  • Online Rank: 226
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University School of Business, Government, and Economics

School of Business, Government, and Economics

Location:

  • Seattle

,

  • WA

Control: Private for-profit

Academic Year: Quarter

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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  • Tuition: $36,675
  • Graduate Salary: $86,250
  • Graduate ROI: 135%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 503
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 5:1
  • Enrollment: 219

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings and Weekends
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • Concentrations: 14
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Washington
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Washington
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 3
  • State Rank: 10
  • National Rank: 352
  • Online Rank: 258
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Illinois at Springfield College of Business and Management

College of Business and Management

Location:

  • Springfield

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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  • Tuition: $14,833
  • Graduate Salary: $68,300
  • Graduate ROI: 360%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 471
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Enrollment: 1238

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Off Campus
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 14
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Sports Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 2
  • State Rank: 18
  • National Rank: 390
  • Online Rank: 288
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of South Carolina Aiken

University of South Carolina Aiken School of Business

School of Business Administration

Location:

  • Aiken

,

  • SC

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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  • Tuition: $14,096
  • Graduate Salary: $56,400
  • Graduate ROI: 300%
  • GMAT Required: Conditional
  • Avg. GMAT: 405
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 26:1
  • Enrollment: 1075

Degree Level(s):

  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 11
  • Accounting
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Public Administration
  • Supply Chain
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in South Carolina
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in South Carolina
  • Best Concentration Cybersecurity
  • Best Online Concentration Cybersecurity
  • Best Online Concentration Public Administration
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 11
  • National Rank: 521
  • Online Rank: 395
  • Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
  • Better than State Average: GMAT
  • Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in Public Administration

Easily sort the interactive table to find the best Public Administration MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Public Administration. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank University ROIIn State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryStateOnline
1 University of Tennessee at Knoxville 161.00% $38,875 $101,400TNYes
2 College of William and Mary 167.00% $42,000 $112,000VAYes
3 Suffolk University 35.00% $59,391 $80,455MAYes
4 University of Baltimore 120.00% $35,128 $77,400MDYes
5 Louisiana State University 27.00% $50,486 $64,142LAYes
6 Seattle Pacific University 135.00% $36,675 $86,250WAYes
7 University of Illinois at Springfield 360.00% $14,833 $68,300ILYes
8 University of South Carolina Aiken 300.00% $14,096 $56,400SCYes

Read about our ranking methodology.

  • Number of Programs Offering Public Administration MBAs: 9
  • Average GMAT Score for Public Administration MBA Programs: 554
  • Average In-State Tuition for Public Administration MBA Programs: $36,435.50
  • Average Graduate Salary for Public Administration MBA Programs: $83,816
  • Average ROI for Public Administration MBA Programs: 163%

Compare Online Public Administration MBA Program Averages vs In-Person

An MBA program in Public Administration will cost you between $14,096.00 to $59,391.00.

 AveragesOnline MBA ProgramsIn-Person MBA Programs
Number of Programs916
Average Starting Salary$83,816$111,053
Average MBA Tuition$36,436
$76,945
Average ROI163%113%
Average GMAT Scores554
618
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty6280
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio14:113:1
Faculty with Doctorate84%84%
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment294342
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment349322
Average % of MBA Students from U.S.84%84%

What is the Average MBA Salary for Online Public Administration Graduates?

MBA salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from University of South Carolina Aiken, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $56,400 . A degree from College of William and Mary, will provide an annual salary of $112,000.

Average MBA starting salary for graduates from accredited programs is $83,816 with the lowest of starting of $56,400 and the highest reported starting salary of $112,000.

Average Graduate Salaries for Online Public Administration MBA Programs

  • Average Public Administration: $83,816
  • Lowest Public Administration: $56,400
  • Highest Public Administration: $112,000

10 Highest Salaries for Online MBA Graduates in Public Administration

  1. College of William and Mary - $112,000.00
  2. David B. O'Maley College of Business - $108,000.00
  3. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $101,400.00
  4. Seattle Pacific University - $86,250.00
  5. Suffolk University - $80,455.00
  6. University of Baltimore - $77,400.00
  7. University of Illinois at Springfield - $68,300.00
  8. Louisiana State University - $64,142.00
  9. University of South Carolina Aiken - $56,400.00

10 Lowest Salaries for Online MBA Graduates in Public Administration

  1. University of South Carolina Aiken - $56,400.00
  2. Louisiana State University - $64,142.00
  3. University of Illinois at Springfield - $68,300.00
  4. University of Baltimore - $77,400.00
  5. Suffolk University - $80,455.00
  6. Seattle Pacific University - $86,250.00
  7. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $101,400.00
  8. David B. O'Maley College of Business - $108,000.00
  9. College of William and Mary - $112,000.00

Average Salary for Graduate of MBA Programs in Public Administration Programs Table

Rank University Avg. Starting SalaryIn State TuitionROIStateOnline
1 University of South Carolina Aiken $56,400 $14,096 300.00%SCYes
2 Louisiana State University $64,142 $50,486 27.00%LAYes
3 University of Illinois at Springfield $68,300 $14,833 360.00%ILYes
4 University of Baltimore $77,400 $35,128 120.00%MDYes
5 Suffolk University $80,455 $59,391 35.00%MAYes
6 Seattle Pacific University $86,250 $36,675 135.00%WAYes
7 University of Tennessee at Knoxville $101,400 $38,875 161.00%TNYes
8 College of William and Mary $112,000 $42,000 167.00%VAYes

What is the Average Online MBA Tuition for Public Administration Programs?


If you plan on attending an online MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

The average in-state tuition for an online MBA in Public Administration is $36,435.50 compared to an average campus program Public Administration is $76,945.07 .

The lowest AACSB tuition rate at $14,096.00 from University of South Carolina Aiken.

The highest AACSB tuition rate is $59,391.00 from Suffolk University.

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  • Average: $36,435.50
  • Lowest: $14,096.00 from University of South Carolina Aiken
  • Highest: $59,391.00 from Suffolk University

10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. University of South Carolina Aiken - $14,096.00
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - $14,833.00
  3. University of Baltimore - $35,128.00
  4. Seattle Pacific University - $36,675.00
  5. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $38,875.00
  6. College of William and Mary - $42,000.00
  7. Louisiana State University - $50,486.00
  8. Suffolk University - $59,391.00

10 Most Expensive Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. Suffolk University - $59,391.00
  2. Louisiana State University - $50,486.00
  3. College of William and Mary - $42,000.00
  4. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $38,875.00
  5. Seattle Pacific University - $36,675.00
  6. University of Baltimore - $35,128.00
  7. University of Illinois at Springfield - $14,833.00
  8. University of South Carolina Aiken - $14,096.00

Interactive Table for Online MBA Tuition Costs for Public Administration Programs

Easily sort the interactive table to find the best Public Administration MBA programs by Tuition to find and to compare MBA programs. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank University In State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryROIStateOnline
1 University of South Carolina Aiken $14,096 $56,400 300.00%SCYes
2 University of Illinois at Springfield $14,833 $68,300 360.00%ILYes
3 University of Baltimore $35,128 $77,400 120.00%MDYes
4 Seattle Pacific University $36,675 $86,250 135.00%WAYes
5 University of Tennessee at Knoxville $38,875 $101,400 161.00%TNYes
6 College of William and Mary $42,000 $112,000 167.00%VAYes
7 Louisiana State University $50,486 $64,142 27.00%LAYes
8 Suffolk University $59,391 $80,455 35.00%MAYes

What is the Average ROI for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration?

Choosing an online MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

For MBA programs in across the U.S., the ROI ranges from 27% to 360%.The lowest MBA ROI of 27% is from the program at Louisiana State University.The highest MBA ROI of 360% is offered by University of Illinois at Springfield.On average, MBA programs across the U.S. have an ROI of 196%.

ROI for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration Programs Table

Easily sort the interactive table to find the best Public Administration MBA programs by ROI to find and to compare MBA programs. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank University ROIIn State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryStateOnline
1 University of Illinois at Springfield 360.00% $14,833 $68,300ILYes
2 University of South Carolina Aiken 300.00% $14,096 $56,400SCYes
3 College of William and Mary 167.00% $42,000 $112,000VAYes
4 University of Tennessee at Knoxville 161.00% $38,875 $101,400TNYes
5 Seattle Pacific University 135.00% $36,675 $86,250WAYes
6 University of Baltimore 120.00% $35,128 $77,400MDYes
7 Suffolk University 35.00% $59,391 $80,455MAYes
8 Louisiana State University 27.00% $50,486 $64,142LAYes

ROI for Online MBA Programs

  • Average: 196%
  • Lowest: 27%
  • Highest: 360%

10 Highest ROI for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. University of Illinois at Springfield - 360.00%
  2. University of South Carolina Aiken - 300.00%
  3. College of William and Mary - 167.00%
  4. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 161.00%
  5. Seattle Pacific University - 135.00%
  6. University of Baltimore - 120.00%
  7. Suffolk University - 35.00%
  8. Louisiana State University - 27.00%

10 Lowest ROI for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. Louisiana State University - 27.00%
  2. Suffolk University - 35.00%
  3. University of Baltimore - 120.00%
  4. Seattle Pacific University - 135.00%
  5. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 161.00%
  6. College of William and Mary - 167.00%
  7. University of South Carolina Aiken - 300.00%
  8. University of Illinois at Springfield - 360.00%

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an Online MBA Program in Public Administration?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

The average GMAT scores full-time MBA programs in Public Administration is 554 with a highest of 663 and the lowest of 405

The average GMAT score needed for a Public Administration MBA program from an institution is between 405 from University of South Carolina Aiken to 663 from University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The average GMAT scores for Public Administration MBA programs is 554.

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score. The average GMAT Score for on-campus MBA programs in Public Administration is a 553.56 compared to an average MBA program score of 553.56. It is recommended that each B-School applicant take a GMAT diagnostic test in order to determine whether or not further study and/or a prep course is needed to boost your score.

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  • Average: 554
  • Lowest: 405
  • Highest: 663

10 Lowest GMAT for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. University of South Carolina Aiken - 405
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - 471
  3. Seattle Pacific University - 503
  4. Louisiana State University - 540
  5. Suffolk University - 580
  6. University of Baltimore - 590
  7. David B. O'Maley College of Business - 610
  8. College of William and Mary - 620
  9. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 663

10 Highest GMAT for Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

  1. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 663
  2. College of William and Mary - 620
  3. David B. O'Maley College of Business - 610
  4. University of Baltimore - 590
  5. Suffolk University - 580
  6. Louisiana State University - 540
  7. Seattle Pacific University - 503
  8. University of Illinois at Springfield - 471
  9. University of South Carolina Aiken - 405

No GMAT or GRE: Best Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

Rank University GMAT Online College Name Based In
1 University of Wisconsin-Madison Optional Yes Wisconsin School of Business Madison, WI
2 Michigan State University Optional Yes The Eli Broad College of Business East Lansing, MI
3 The University of Georgia Optional Yes Terry College of Business Athens, GA
4 University of Massachusetts Boston No Yes College of Management Boston, MA
5 Southern Methodist University Optional Yes Edwin L. Cox School of Business Dallas, TX
6 University of St. Thomas-Minnesota No Yes Opus College of Business Minneapolis, MN
7 University of Maryland Optional Yes Robert H. Smith School of Business College Park, MD
8 The Pennsylvania State University No Yes Smeal College of Business University Park, PA
9 American University No Yes Kogod School of Business Washington, DC
10 Fordham University Optional Yes Gabelli School of Business Bronx, NY
11 University of Hartford No Yes Barney School of Business West Hartford, CT
12 The University of Michigan Optional Yes Stephen M. Ross School of Business Ann Arbor, MI
13 New Jersey Institute of Technology No Yes Martin Tuchman School of Management Newark, NJ
14 Northeastern University Optional Yes D'Amore-McKim School of Business Boston, MA
15 Washington University in St. Louis No Yes Olin Business School St. Louis, MO
16 University of California, Davis Optional Yes Graduate School of Management Davis, CA
17 University of Cincinnati Optional Yes Carl H. Lindner College of Business Cincinnati, OH
18 University of Delaware No Yes Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics Newark, DE
19 Babson College Optional Yes F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business Babson Park, MA
20 Georgia State University Optional Yes J. Mack Robinson College of Business Atlanta, GA
21 The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley No Yes School of Graduate Professional Studies Malvern, PA
22 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Optional Yes Gies College of Business Champaign, IL
23 George Mason University Optional Yes School of Business Fairfax, VA
24 Xavier University No Yes Williams College of Business Cincinnati, OH
25 Queens University of Charlotte Optional Yes McColl School of Business Charlotte, NC

Alumni from Schools Offering an Online MBA in Public Administration

The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated when considering an MBA program. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, your ability to define your career goals and after graduation connections.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Public Administration MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 68 and 735. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 11.00 and : 743.00.

Average Enrollment for Online MBA Programs Offering an MBA in Public Administration

  • Lowest: 68 from University of Baltimore
  • Highest: 735 from University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Average: 294 from 9 MBA Programs.

10 Online MBA Programs with the Highest Enrollment (Alumni)

  1. University of Illinois at Springfield - 735
  2. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 479
  3. College of William and Mary - 324
  4. Suffolk University - 274
  5. Louisiana State University - 268
  6. David B. O'Maley College of Business - 110
  7. University of South Carolina Aiken - 93
  8. University of Baltimore - 68

10 Online MBA Programs with the Smallest Enrollment (Alumni)

  1. University of Baltimore - 68
  2. University of South Carolina Aiken - 93
  3. David B. O'Maley College of Business - 110
  4. Louisiana State University - 268
  5. Suffolk University - 274
  6. College of William and Mary - 324
  7. University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 479
  8. University of Illinois at Springfield - 735

Top 10 Concentrations Available from Schools Also Offering an Online Degree in Public Administration?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Public Administration businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations including:

  • Accounting: 9
  • Public Administration: 9
  • Management: 9
  • Finance: 9
  • General Business: 9
  • Corporate Finance: 8
  • Data Analytics: 8
  • Marketing: 8
  • Information Systems: 7
  • Economics: 6

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

  • David B. O’Maley College of Business: 30
  • Nova Southeastern University: 25
  • University of Cincinnati: 24
  • Suffolk University: 23
  • Drexel University: 23
  • Temple University: 23
  • University of Baltimore: 22
  • The Ohio State University: 22
  • Georgia State University: 22
  • Marquette University: 21

The Importance of MBA Accreditation for Online MBA Programs

The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Online MBA Program Options Available for Public Administration

Options for earning your Public Administration MBA have never been more flexible. Public Administration MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

There are 16 Public Administration accredited MBA programs. 4 private and 9 public schools offering Public Administration MBA programs.

Number of Award Earned for Online MBA Programs Offering an Public Administration Degree

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 16 accredited MBA programs offered in Public Administration, 15 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes and BW garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

  • College of William and Mary: 5
  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville: 5
  • Louisiana State University: 4
  • Seattle Pacific University: 1
  • University of Baltimore: 1
  • University of South Carolina Aiken: 1
  • University of Illinois at Springfield: 1
  • Suffolk University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for an MBA degree in Public Administration :

  • MBAGuide: 8
  • US News: 3
  • Forbes: 3
  • BW: 2

How We Rank the Best Online MBA Programs in Public Administration

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.

Concentration-by-Concentration: Online and In-Person

Best MBA Programs by Concentration: Online and In-Person

  • Accounting – Online | In-Person
  • Actuarial Science – Online | In-Person
  • Arts – Online | In-Person
  • Business Administration – Online | In-Person
  • Communications – Online | In-Person
  • Consulting – Online | In-Person
  • Corporate Finance – Online | In-Person
  • Cybersecurity – Online | In-Person
  • Data Analytics – Online | In-Person
  • E-Commerce – Online | In-Person
  • Economics – Online | In-Person
  • Education – Online | In-Person
  • Energy – Online | In-Person
  • Engineering – Online | In-Person
  • Entrepreneurship – Online | In-Person
  • Ethics – Online | In-Person
  • Finance – Online | In-Person
  • Financial Management – Online | In-Person
  • Global Management – Online | In-Person
  • Healthcare Administration – Online | In-Person
  • Hospitality Management – Online | In-Person
  • Human Resources – Online | In-Person
  • Information Systems – Online | In-Person
  • Innovation Management – Online | In-Person
  • Insurance – Online | In-Person
  • International Business – Online | In-Person
  • Law – JD MBA – Online | In-Person
  • Leadership – Online | In-Person
  • Management – Online | In-Person
  • Manufacturing – Online | In-Person
  • Marketing – Online | In-Person
  • Non-Profit Management – Online | In-Person
  • Operations Management – Online | In-Person
  • Organizational Behavior – Online | In-Person
  • Product Management – Online | In-Person
  • Project Management – Online | In-Person
  • Public Administration – Online | In-Person
  • Quantitative Methods – Online | In-Person
  • Real Estate – Online | In-Person
  • Sports Management – Online | In-Person
  • Statistics – Online | In-Person
  • Supply Chain Management – Online | In-Person
  • Sustainability Management – Online | In-Person
  • Taxation – Online | In-Person
  • Technology Management – Online | In-Person

Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.

Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online: MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA | Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations

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