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Best Public Administration Schools in California

California has 8 colleges offering Public Administration programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 277 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $49,346 on average within two years — 18% above the national average of $41,839, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: National University graduates earn $74,576 while San Diego State University graduates earn $33,993 — a $40,583 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in CA
$49,346
CA Avg. Earnings
$41,839
National Avg.
50
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Public Administration in California

Public Schools (5)
$38,151
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$68,003
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $29,852 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Public Administration Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

$74,576
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $61,249
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: N/A
#2
C

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,784
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 73.6%
#3
U

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA · Private

$60,094
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 48.5%
#4
C

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public

$43,240
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,105
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 91.3%
#5
C

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,063
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 86.7%
#6
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 98.3%
#7
C

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.2%
#8
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,977
Graduates: 140
Acceptance: 34.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Administration in California?
National University ranks #1 for Public Administration in California with median graduate earnings of $74,576 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Public Administration programs in the state.
How much do Public Administration graduates earn in California?
Public Administration graduates in California earn an average of $49,346 within two years of graduation. This is 18% above the national average of $41,839 for this major.
What is the hardest Public Administration school to get into in California?
San Diego State University is the most selective Public Administration program in California with an acceptance rate of 34.4%. The average acceptance rate across Public Administration programs in the state is 74.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Public Administration in California?
In California, private Public Administration programs produce average earnings of $68,003 vs $38,151 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Public Administration in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.