Masters in Public Administration in USA: Top Universities, Scholarships, Eligibility, Fees, and Salaries

Masters in Public Administration in USA is a professional postgraduate course prepared for leadership and management roles in public service, which includes nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the private sector. The course duration is 1.5 or 2 years (depending on the institution).
The average tuition fee is USD 24,628 (₹21,58,365) - USD 89,404 (₹78,34,710) per year. For admission, the clearance of IELTS and TOEFL is mandatory. The IELTS score required is (6.0-7.0) and TOEFL (71-100 iBT). In some colleges, the GRE/GMAT exam scores are also required for admission. The core courses include Foundations of Public Administration, Public Policy, Analysis and Research, Methods in Public Administration, Financial Management in the Public Sector, Organizational Behaviour, Ethics and Leadership in Public Service, etc.
This blog provides you with comprehensive, detailed information on Masters in Public Administration in USA, which includes Top Universities, Scholarships, Eligibility, Fees, Salaries, etc.
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Quick Highlights
Here are the quick highlights of the Masters in Public Administration in USA.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 1.5 or 2 years |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in the respective discipline |
Popular Entrance Exams | IELTS / TOEFL |
Minimum IELTS Score | 6.0 |
Top Specialisations |
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Average yearly tuition fees | USD 24,628 (₹21,58,365) - USD 89,404 (₹78,34,710) |
Top Universities |
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Popular Scholarships Available at Institutions |
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Job Roles |
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Top recruiters |
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Why Choose Masters in Public Administration in USA?
Some of the key points why choose Masters in Public Administration in USA are:
- Provides quality education: The institution's faculty team provides quality education regularly.
- Highly-ranked Universities: For Masters in Public Administration in USA, there are so many highly-ranked Universities available.
- Regular practical classes: The institution offers practical classes on a regular basis.
- Degree globally recognized: The degree is globally recognized, which means you can apply for a job anywhere in the world.
- Career Opportunities: After completion of the course, you have a career opportunity to build yourself in organizations, government agencies, and the private sector.
- First-Aid Facilities: The first-aid facility is available 24/7 on the college campus while you pursue Masters in Public Administration in USA.
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Top Universities/Colleges
The following table shows the top Masters in Public Administration in USA Universities.
Universities/Institutions Names | Total Tuition Fees in USD (Approx.) | Total Tuition Fees in INR (Approx.) |
Barry University | USD 25,200 | ₹20,00,000 |
Arizona State University | USD 34,290 | ₹28,00,000 |
Illinois Institute of Technology | USD 32,040 | ₹26,00,000 |
Portland State University | USD 48,384 | ₹40,00,000 |
New York University | USD 89,404 | ₹74,00,000 |
Kent State University | USD 39,518 | ₹32,00,000 |
University of Pennsylvania | USD 34,594 | ₹28,00,000 |
University of Alabama | USD 24,628 | ₹20,00,000 |
Harvard University | USD 55,656 | ₹46,00,000 |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria required for studying Masters in Public Administration in USA are shown in the table given below.
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in the respective discipline |
GRE/GMAT | Optional |
English Proficiency Score Required |
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Visa & Passport |
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Work Experience | Not mandatory, but preferred |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Application Process
The following table shows the Masters in Public Administration in USA application process.
Steps | Description |
Step 1 | Visit the official website of the institution |
Step 2 | Fill out the application form and submit the documents on the web portal |
Step 3 | Payment of the application fees |
Step 4 | Wait for the Admission Letter or Allotment Letter |
Step 5 | Apply for a Student Visa at the Embassy or the Visa portal |
Step 6 | Plan your journey to the USA for the course |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Documents Required
The table given below shows the documents required to study Masters in Public Administration in USA.
Documents Required | Required or not |
Academic Transcripts | Yes |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Required |
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | 2 or 3 LORs |
Resume/CV | Required |
GRE/GMAT Scores | Optional |
English Proficiency Test |
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Masters in Public Administration in USA: Visa Application Timeline
The table given shows all the visa application-related information while applying for studying Masters in Public Administration in USA.
Events | Important/Tentative Dates |
Application deadline for a student visa for the F-1 visa | Based on admission starts |
Visa Processing Time | 3 to 4 weeks (after applying) |
Departure for Masters in Public Administration in USA | Based on the institution's academic session starting date |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Top Entrance Exams
The following table shows the Masters in Public Administration in USA top entrance exams.
Exam name | Applicable Universities | Mandatory or not |
IELTS/TOEFL | Almost all top Universities | Yes |
GMAT/GRE | In a few Universities | Optional |
Interview Sessions (Recorded or Virtual) | In a few Universities | In a few Universities |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Cutoff
The Masters in Public Administration in USA cutoff score required in IELTS/TOEFL for admission is shown in the table given below.
University Type | IELTS | TOEFL | GRE/GMAT |
Top Universities | Minimum score of 6.0 | 71-100 iBT | Varies every year |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Syllabus
Masters in Public Administration in USA syllabus 2025 is mentioned in the table given below.
Courses Name (Semester-wise) | Electives/Specializations |
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
Semester 3:
Semester 4:
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Masters in Public Administration in USA: Scholarship
The following table shows the Masters in Public Administration in USA scholarship information.
Scholarship Name | Amount (Approximately) |
Global Engineering Leaders Scholarships | USD 5,000 (₹4,38,000) |
Dean's Scholars Program | USD 10,000 (₹8,76,230) |
Graduate International Excellence Scholarships | USD 1,000 (₹87,617) - USD 5,000 (₹4,38,000) |
Graduate Progression Scholarship | USD 4,000 (₹3,50,500) |
Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) Award | NA |
Provost’s Scholarship (Graduate) | USD 6,000 (₹5,25,750) - USD 10,000 (₹8,76,230) |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Cost of Living
The Masters in Public Administration in USA cost-of-living-related information is listed in the table given below.
Category | Approx. Cost of Living (USD) | Approx. Cost of Living (INR) |
Accommodation | USD 25,200 | ₹22,08,576 |
Transportation | USD 840 | ₹73,600 |
Food | USD 12,775 | ₹11,19,650 |
Health Insurance | USD 750 | ₹65,700 |
Personal Expenses | USD 3,000 | ₹2,62,900 |
Masters in Public Administration in USA: Career Scope
The following table shows the Masters in Public Administration in USA career scope related information, including sections of job roles offered and industrial sectors.
Job Roles Offered | Industrial Sector |
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Masters in Public Administration in USA: Salary Packages
Masters in Public Administration in USA salary packages offered after completion of the course are shown in the table given below.
Jobs Roles | Average Salary Package (USD) (Approx.) | Average Salary Package (INR) (Approx.) |
Public Affairs Specialist | USD 68,300 | ₹56,00,000 |
Development Coordinator | USD 45,650 | ₹38,00,000 |
Financial Analyst | USD 65,750 | ₹54,00,000 |
Public Relations Manager | USD 75,500 | ₹62,00,000 |
Data Analyst | USD 66,000 | ₹55,00,000 |
Environmental Consultant | USD 62,600 | ₹52,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Provide some information on the Best Master's in Public Administration programs in the USA?
Ans: The best Master's in Public Administration programs in the USA are listed below:
- Foundations of Public Administration
- Public Policy Analysis
- Research Methods in Public Administration
- Financial Management in the Public Sector
- Organizational Behaviour
- Ethics and Leadership in Public Service
Ques: How to apply to a Masters in Public Administration program in the United States?
Ans: Candidates need to visit the official website of the institution they preferred and fulfill all the eligibility criteria required after filling application form and submitting documents.
Ques: What is the Public Affairs Specialist's average salary for MPA graduates in the USA?
Ans: The average salary packages for Public Affairs Specialist MPA graduates in the USA are USD 68,300 (₹56,00,000).
Ques: What are the average yearly tuition fees for the candidates while pursuing Masters in Public Administration program in the United States?
Ans: The average yearly tuition fees for the candidates while pursuing Masters in Public Administration program in the United States range between USD 24,628 (₹21,58,365) to USD 89,404 (₹78,34,710).
Ques: Mention the scholarship or Funding opportunities for Masters in Public Administration students in the USA?
Ans: The scholarship or Funding opportunities for Masters in Public Administration students in the USA are listed below:
- Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) Award
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- Dean's Scholars Program
- Graduate International Excellence Scholarships
- Graduate Progression Scholarship