Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Administration Programs
Getting your MPA doesn’t have to break the bank. Read our guide to learn about top-tier online Master of Public Administration programs you can afford and discover more college cost-savings tips. We’ll also answer your most pressing questions about what can affect the cost of getting your MPA.
An MPA degree can equip you with the skills to become a leader in managing programs, offices, and employees in various settings such as federal government, nonprofit organizations, global nongovernment organizations, and private companies. Pursuing an affordable and accredited MPA program online can help alleviate the financial burden that often comes with graduate school. This webpage aims to provide practical advice and highlight the most affordable MPA programs available to help you achieve your goal. Get started by seeing which schools made our annual ranking of the most affordable online MPA programs.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Public
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Public
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Public
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, Texas
Public
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Public
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, Alaska
Public
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Public
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Public
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Public
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
Public
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Public
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Public
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Public
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Public
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Public
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Public
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Public
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
Public
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Private
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Public
National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado
Public
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Public
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, Michigan
Public
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont
Private
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Private
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Public
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Hawai’i Pacific University
Honolulu, Hawaii
Private
Calumet College of Saint Joseph
Whiting, Indiana
Private
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Private
5 Ways to Make Your Online MPA Degree Cheaper
While your top priority is finding the program that’s right for you, you’ll also want to consider how to minimize the cost of your online MPA degree. Check out these five ideas, which could save you big bucks.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for MPA students.
Many schools provide extensive financial aid information and opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships for their MPA students. For example, Missouri State University-Springfield offers department-specific financial aid in addition to aid offered to all students. You’ll also find scholarship and award opportunities through professional organizations such as the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, Section for Women in Public Administration, and the American Society for Public Administration. Finally, the STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships and resources guide for public administration students provide even more ways to discover scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
2
Investigate tuition reimbursement programs.
Many employers, including the federal government, offer tuition reimbursement programs to help offset tuition costs for their employees. Some employers require a certain grade or that you commit to working for them for a specific amount of time in return for reimbursing your tuition. While there is no limit to how much you can receive in tuition reimbursement, many employers cap the maximum yearly amount at $5,250 since you’ll have to pay taxes on anything beyond that. Review the guide How to Use – and Ask for – Employer Tuition Reimbursement Benefits, then check with your company’s human resources department to see if your workplace has a tuition reimbursement program.
3
Maximize tax credits, deductions, and other benefits.
The guide Tax Benefits for Education summarizes tax credits, student loan interest deductions, savings plans, deductions for work-related education expenses, and more. Plus you’ll learn how scholarships and fellowships impact your tax return. (Spoiler alert: Typically tuition and mandatory enrollment fees qualify for tax credits, but you must subtract any scholarships or educational assistance such as an employer’s tuition reimbursement.) In practice, maximizing these benefits can be confusing, so consulting a tax professional can be a good idea to get the best results.
4
Check into student loan options.
Student loans include those from the federal government and private loans from banks and other financial institutions, such as Sallie Mae. Federal loans, which you apply for by filling out a FAFSA, include Federal Direct Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS loans. Your credit score affects your ability to obtain a private loan without a cosigner, and terms vary depending on the type of loan. Most college websites have loan information; as an example, take a look at info from Southern Arkansas University, which details not only how to apply for loans but also how to manage debt and even apply for loan forgiveness.
5
Consider public service loan forgiveness.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program cancels loans for full-time public service employees who work for the government and nonprofit organizations. Qualifying loans include those through the Direct Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Additional criteria include having a repayment plan and making a minimum number of qualifying payments. While this may not yet apply to your online MPA, it could help with past student loan debt and clear the way for you to better afford your MPA.
What Impacts the Cost of an Online MPA Program?
When selecting a top-quality and affordable MPA program, it is important to consider various factors that may affect the total cost of your degree. These costs may not be immediately apparent but can significantly increase the program’s overall price tag if not taken into account. However, anticipating these costs can help you plan accordingly and avoid any financial surprises down the line.
Length of Program
The less time you spend in school, the lower your overall costs will be. This is particularly beneficial for those who must limit their work hours while taking classes, as spending less time in school can mean more income. Additionally, obtaining your MPA degree sooner can also enable you to move into higher-paying positions sooner.
Residency Status
While some schools now charge the same tuition rate regardless of residency, traditionally in-state tuition costs are significantly less than (sometimes even half!) out-of-state tuition. Pay close attention to tuition for each program you consider and spend a little extra time evaluating programs in your home state.
Miscellaneous Fees
Finding a great tuition rate certainly matters—but not if the miscellaneous fees are considerable. Be sure to look at overall program cost and not just per credit or per course tuition rates before you make a final decision on which MPA program to choose.
Transfer Credits
If you’ve already completed some master’s level coursework, be sure to check if schools you are considering allow you to transfer credits. The savings in time and money can be substantial, especially at schools like Columbia Southern, which allows MPA students to transfer up to 18 credits.
Making Connections
Most MPA students hope to obtain an executive-level position, which means they need connections. So in addition to a high-quality curriculum, flexibility, and affordability, choose a program that provides networking opportunities. For example, the program at Delaware State University emphasizes engagement with the community, providing lots of opportunities to work with local leaders. Remind yourself that, if the program you’re looking at doesn’t lend itself to meeting the people who might hire you, you could end up taking a lesser position and reduce your overall income in the long term.