Affordable MPA Programs

Cole Neder

Cole Neder

Updated & Fact Checked: 07.16.2024

Introduction

Tuition affordability is significantly important for prospective Master of Public Administration (MPA) students due to practical reasons. Many individuals pursuing an MPA are driven by a commitment to public service and social impact, often aspiring to work in government agencies or nonprofits where financial resources may be limited. Having affordable tuition ensures that these individuals can access the education needed to contribute effectively to societal well-being without incurring excessive student debt.

Additionally, for many MPA students who are mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their skills or transition into the public sector, affordable tuition is crucial. It enables them to make career advancements without being overly burdened by financial strain, especially considering existing responsibilities such as family and mortgages. In essence, tuition affordability supports the broader goals of promoting diversity, inclusion, and fostering a well-prepared and diverse group of professionals dedicated to public service.

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  • NASPAA Accredited
  • No GRE Required
  • 100% Online
  • Scholarships Available

American University

Online Master’s in Public Administration and Policy


American University’s nationally recognized and NASPAA-accredited master’s in public administration provides students with a master’s-level understanding of modern governance from an award-winning faculty working and teaching in the heart of government, Washington, D.C.

  • Fully Online or Hybrid
  • Top Ranked
  • No GRE/GMAT

Ohio University

Online & Hybrid Master of Public Administration Degrees


Ohio University’s MPA programs equip graduates for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. Concentrations include:

  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • 100% Online
  • HLC Accredited

Walden University

Online Public Policy and Administration Programs


Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:

  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Top Ranked
  • Built for Leaders

Arizona State University

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.

  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Military Friendly
  • 100% Online

Purdue Global

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.

  • Affordable
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Accredited Program

Liberty University

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:

  • Accredited Programs
  • Affordable Degrees
  • 100% Online

Southern New Hampshire University

Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees


Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:


Residential, Non-Residential, and Distance Learning Tuition

The tuition structure for Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs often varies based on the format of the program—residential, non-residential, or distance learning. The distinction between residential (in-state) and non-residential (out-of-state) tuition rates is a pivotal factor influencing the cost of education.

Typically, residential tuition is significantly lower than non-residential tuition at public universities. This pricing discrepancy arises from the public funding model wherein state residents contribute through taxes to support the institution. Consequently, residential students benefit from subsidized tuition as a form of state investment in their education. On the contrary, non-residential students, who have not contributed to the state’s tax base, are required to cover the full cost of their education, leading to higher tuition fees.

The concept of residential status, often associated with on-campus programs, can extend to online or distance learning students, impacting their tuition rates based on their state of residence. While online learners may not physically reside on campus, their residential status, determined by their state of residence, can influence tuition costs in a manner similar to traditional, on-campus students.

Overview of Affordable Programs

Affordable Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, offered both by state universities accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and through online platforms, represent a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking advanced education in public administration without incurring substantial financial burdens.

NASPAA-accredited programs, known for maintaining high academic standards, provide an in-person, immersive learning experience within specific states. These programs are tailored to individuals who prefer traditional classroom settings and benefit from the academic rigor associated with NASPAA accreditation.

On the other hand, online MPA programs, offered by various institutions across states, cater to the flexibility needs of working professionals and those who prioritize remote learning. These programs often provide a cost-effective alternative, allowing students to access quality education without the additional expenses associated with relocation. In this exploration of affordable MPA programs, we’ll delve into state-specific NASPAA-accredited options and online programs, considering the financial accessibility that both models bring to prospective students.

NASPAA-Accredited Programs

State of Georgia

Program: Division of Social Sciences

Tuition: $1,068 per semester (residents and non-residents)

Augusta University

  • Augusta, GA

Program: Pamplin College

Tuition: $2,752 per semester (residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $2,343 per semester (residents)

State of California

Program: Public Policy and Administration Department

Tuition: $10,000 total (residents)

Program: Political Science Department

Tuition: $11,484 total (residents)

Program: College of Law and Public Policy

Tuition: $785 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Florida

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $3,327 per semester (residents)

Program: College of Arts and Letters

Tuition: $3,346 per semester (residents)

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL

Program: Askew School of Public Administration

Tuition: $3,632 per semester (residents)

State of New York

SUNY College Brockport

  • Brockport, NY

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $5,655 per semester (residents)

Binghamton University

  • Binghamton, NY

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $6,892 per semester (residents)

Marist College

  • Poughkeepsie, NY

Program: School of Management

Tuition: $920 per credit (residents and non-residents)

LIU Brooklyn

  • Brooklyn, NY

Program: Roosevelt School

Tuition: $1,352 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Illinois

Program: Business School

Tuition: $321 per credit (residents)

University of Illinois

  • Champaign, IL

Program: Department of Public Policy

Tuition: $321 per credit (residents)

Program: Department of Public Administration

Tuition: $595 per credit (residents and non-residents)

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL

Program: School of Public Service

Tuition: $743 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Colorado

Program: School of Public Affairs

Tuition: $595 per credit (residents)

State of Massachusetts

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $502 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: College of Social Sciences

Tuition: $985 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Suffolk University

  • Boston, MA

Program: Sawyer Business School

Tuition: $1,322 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Maryland

Program: Department of Management

Tuition: $448 per credit (residents)

University of Baltimore

  • Baltimore, MD

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $995 per credit (residents)

Program: The Graduate School

Tuition: $815 per credit (residents)

ADVERTISEMENT

  • NASPAA Accredited
  • No GRE Required
  • 100% Online
  • Scholarships Available

American University

Online Master’s in Public Administration and Policy


American University’s nationally recognized and NASPAA-accredited master’s in public administration provides students with a master’s-level understanding of modern governance from an award-winning faculty working and teaching in the heart of government, Washington, D.C.

  • Fully Online or Hybrid
  • Top Ranked
  • No GRE/GMAT

Ohio University

Online & Hybrid Master of Public Administration Degrees


Ohio University’s MPA programs equip graduates for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. Concentrations include:

  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • 100% Online
  • HLC Accredited

Walden University

Online Public Policy and Administration Programs


Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:

  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Top Ranked
  • Built for Leaders

Arizona State University

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.

  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Military Friendly
  • 100% Online

Purdue Global

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.

  • Affordable
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Accredited Program

Liberty University

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)


Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:

  • Accredited Programs
  • Affordable Degrees
  • 100% Online

Southern New Hampshire University

Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees


Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:

State of Oregon

Program: MPA Graduate Program

Tuition: $478 per credit (residents)

University of Oregon

  • Eugene, OR

Program: School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management

Tuition: $683 per credit (residents)

State of Ohio

Bowling Green State University

  • Bowling Green, OH

Program: Political Science Department

Tuition: $536 per credit (residents)

Program: Levin College of Public Affairs

Tuition: $602 per credit (residents)

State of Tennessee

Program: College of Public Service

Tuition: $579 per credit (residents)

University of Memphis

  • Memphis, TN

Program: Public and Nonprofit Administration Department

Tuition: $623 per credit (residents)

State of North Carolina

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $264 per credit (residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $308 per credit (residents)

State of Virginia

Program: School of Public Service

Tuition: $599 per credit (residents)

Program: Schar School of Policy and Government

Tuition: $927 per credit (residents)

State of Texas

Program: School of Management and Leadership

Tuition: $16,037 total (residents)

Texas A&M University

  • College Station, TX

Program: Bush School of Public Policy

Tuition: $27,456 total (non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $4,884 per year (residents)

Online Programs

State of Georgia

Program: Public Administration Program

Tuition: $3,000 per semester (residents and non-residents)

State of California

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $650 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Golden State University

  • San Francisco, CA

Program: Executive Masters in Administration

Tuition: $825 per credit (residents and non-residents)

National University

  • San Diego, CA

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $727 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of New York

SUNY Buffalo State

  • Buffalo, NY

Program: School of Political Science

Tuition: $6,785 per semester (residents and non-residents)

Hilbert College

  • Hamburg, NY

Program: School of Public Administration

Tuition: $700 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Illinois

Aurora University

  • Aurora, IL

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $580 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Colorado

Program: School of Public Affairs

Tuition: $714 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Colorado State University

  • Fort Collins, CO

Program: College of Liberal Arts

Tuition: $998 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $462 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $543 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Michigan

Central Michigan University

  • Mt Pleasant, MI

Program: Public Administration Program

Tuition: $758 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: School of Public Affairs and Administration

Tuition: $764 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Grand Valley State

  • Grand Rapids, MI

Program: School of Community Leadership

Tuition: $644 per credit (residents)

Program: Political Science and Administration

Tuition: $667 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Saginaw Valley State University

  • University Center, MI

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $722 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Oakland University

  • Rochester, MI

Program: Political Science Department

Tuition: $872 per credit (residents)

State of Massachusetts

Anna Maria College

  • Paxton, MA

Program: School of Public Administration

Tuition: $719 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $398 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Maryland

Program: Arts in Public Administration

Tuition: $560 per credit (residents and non-residents)

McDaniel College

  • Westminster, MD

Program: Graduate and Professional Studies Division

Tuition: $643 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Ohio

Toledo University

  • Toledo, OH

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $695 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Tennessee

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $579 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Cumberland University

  • Lebanon, TN

Program: Public Service Management

Tuition: $625 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of North Carolina

Program: Political Science and Public Administration Department

Tuition: $238 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Executive MPA Program

Tuition: $276 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Utah

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $1,446 per course (residents and non-residents)

State of Virginia

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $695 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $390 per credit (residents and non-residents)

State of Texas

Lamar University

  • Beaumont, TX

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $12,315 total (residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $320 per credit (residents and non-residents)

Program: Public Administration Department

Tuition: $14,075 total (residents and non-residents)

Scholarships and Payment Planning

Scholarships and payment planning play crucial roles in alleviating the financial burden for individuals pursuing Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate programs. Various scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available for MPA students, ranging from institution-specific awards to those provided by external organizations. Students are encouraged to explore scholarship databases, such as Fastweb, Peterson’s, and the NASPAA Fellowship Database, to identify relevant opportunities. Additionally, many universities offer merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and diversity scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Overall, a proactive approach to researching scholarships, considering graduate assistantships, and developing a sound payment plan can significantly contribute to making MPA graduate programs financially feasible. Prospective students are encouraged to leverage university resources, connect with financial aid offices, and explore external scholarship opportunities to maximize their financial support throughout their academic journey.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships serve as another valuable resource for financing MPA programs. These positions often involve working on campus, supporting faculty, assisting with research projects, or contributing to administrative tasks. In return, students may receive tuition waivers or stipends, helping offset educational costs. Prospective MPA students should explore assistantship opportunities within their chosen program or department.

Graduate assistants (GAs) may be involved in a variety of roles, including assisting faculty with research projects, supporting administrative tasks within departments, or contributing to the development and execution of academic programs. The nature of the assistantship can vary, allowing students to align their responsibilities with their academic and career interests. At DePaul University, for example, the Graduate Assistantship program offers students research opportunities for 20 hours of work per week. In exchange, tuition is fully compensated for full-time students. 

Graduate assistantships offer valuable professional development opportunities. Students gain practical experience in their field, develop transferable skills, and build a network within the academic or professional community. The experience gained during an assistantship can enhance a student’s resume and make them more competitive in the job market upon graduation.

Payment Plans and Student Loans

Payment planning is essential for managing the costs of graduate education. Many universities offer installment plans, allowing students to break down tuition payments into manageable monthly installments. Additionally, financial aid offices can provide guidance on federal student loans and repayment options. Researching and applying for external funding sources, such as government grants or employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs, can further enhance financial support.

The U.S. Department of Education offers federal student loan programs for graduate students, such as the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Grad PLUS Loan. These loans typically have favorable interest rates and flexible repayment options. Graduates working in public service or nonprofit organizations may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Understanding the criteria and requirements for loan forgiveness is crucial for long-term financial planning.

Employer Sponsorship and Tuition Reimbursement

Employer sponsorship involves the employer directly covering the costs of an employee’s education, including tuition, fees, and sometimes additional expenses. MPA students receiving employer sponsorship not only gain financial support but also often maintain their existing employment status, which can include benefits such as health insurance and job security.

Prospective MPA students should approach negotiations for employer support strategically. This may involve highlighting how the skills acquired during the MPA program align with the organization’s goals and how the investment in education will contribute to the employee’s enhanced performance. Employees can articulate the return on investment (ROI) their education will bring to the organization. This may include improved leadership skills, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and the potential for contributing to organizational growth and efficiency.

MPA students should thoroughly understand their employer’s policies related to sponsorship or reimbursement. This includes understanding any contractual commitments, conditions for eligibility, and the process for submitting reimbursement requests.