10 Affordable Online MBA in Public Administration Programs 2025

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in public administration is a smart move for professionals who want to lead in government, nonprofits, or public service organizations. It combines a traditional MBA with the specialized skills needed to navigate your career goals.

With fully online formats and competitive tuition rates, many schools are making it easier than ever to advance your career without stepping away from it. Keep reading to find an MBA in public administration that fits your ambitions.

What Is an MBA in Public Administration?

An MBA in public administration is a graduate degree that blends core business principles with public sector management. Students gain expertise in finance, leadership, policy analysis, and public budgeting, preparing them for roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and public service organizations.

Unlike a traditional MBA, this concentration emphasizes navigating political systems, managing public resources, and implementing policy. Courses often include public finance, ethics, and strategic planning.

The degree is ideal for professionals seeking leadership positions in the public or nonprofit sectors who also want a strong foundation in business administration and management practices.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Public Administration Cost?

Tuition varies widely, ranging from around $20,000 to over $50,000 total. Some schools offer financial aid (e.g., military and transfer discounts) to help offset the costs. There are also scholarships for online students available.

Cheapest Online MBA in Public Administration Programs

If you're looking for an online MBA in public administration, check out these affordable MBA programs online below.

1. Columbia Southern University

Students can pursue an MBA in public administration at Columbia Southern University. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The concentration requires 12 credit hours of specialized courses. In addition, students learn decision-making and strategic planning skills through the general business core foundation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $359 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public university located in Colorado. Its online MBA program includes a public administration emphasis designed for working professionals. The 36-credit program offers courses year-round. It covers leadership, budgeting, policy, and management in public and nonprofit sectors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $461.80 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Comission (HLC)

3. University of Louisiana-Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an MBA in public administration. This 30-credit program includes core MBA coursework along with specialized classes in public budgeting, policy analysis, and administrative leadership.

Students can choose an on-campus track or a fully online one. The online curriculum is structured to accommodate working adults, with self-paced MBA courses and multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian university known for its large selection of online degree programs. The online MBA in public administration is a 45-credit program. It focuses on leadership, public policy, and government operations.

Courses are offered in eight-week terms. Applicants can transfer in up to 50% of credits toward their degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers a 100% online MBA with a concentration in public administration. The program is designed for working professionals, featuring accelerated seven-week terms and six start dates per year. The concentration requires three courses or nine credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $636 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit school with robust online offerings. The online MBA in public administration is a 30-credit program. It focuses on public service leadership, policy, and management.

Admissions is simple and doesn't require GRE or GMAT scores. The program typically takes two years to complete. However, motivated students can take on a heavier course load and earn their degrees in as few as 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Albany State University

Albany State University offers a 30-credit MBA with a concentration in public administration. It combines foundational business coursework with public-sector electives.

Applicants must submit two reference letters, an essay, and official transcripts. Prospective students who have a 2.75 GPA or higher don't need to submit GRE or GMAT test scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $713 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia University-Wisconsin offers an MBA with a concentration in nonprofit management and public administration. The fully online 36-credit program includes 15 credits of public administration courses such as public budgeting, program evaluation, and administrative law and process.

• Estimated tuition cost: $725 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Mary

The University of Mary offers an online MBA program with various concentrations, including public administration. The program is designed to be completed in about 20 months at an accelerated pace, making it ideal for working professionals.

Financial aid, including scholarships, is available to students. Admissions requirements include official transcripts that show a 2.75 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $775 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Endicott College

Endicott College offers a fully online MBA program. Students can focus on a concentration in public administration, where they'll learn project management and financial resources management.

• Estimated tuition cost:$998 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

To rank the schools on this list, we relied on several ranking factors. Our criteria includes:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by a recognized agency to ensure academic rigor.
• Affordability: We chose programs with tuition rates under $1,000 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: All programs listed above are well-respected by employers.

What To Expect From an Online MBA in Public Administration

An online MBA in public administration typically combines core business courses with specialized training in public policy, budgeting, and organizational leadership. Most programs require 30 to 45 credit hours and can be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on pacing and prior coursework.

Students should expect courses in strategic management, public finance, ethics, and policy analysis, often capped with a final project or capstone. Most online programs are designed for flexibility, making them ideal for professionals already working in public or nonprofit sectors.

FAQs About Online Public Administration MBA Programs

If you're thinking about enrolling in an MBA program, check out these commonly asked questions below. We discuss accreditation, timelines, and more.

Is an MBA in Public Administration Worth It?

Yes, an MBA degree in public administration helps students gain leadership and management skills. It can lead to roles in government, nonprofits, and public organizations. It also provides strong business fundamentals, which can increase career flexibility and salary potential.

Is a Master of Public Administration or an MBA Better?

A Master of Public Administration focuses more on policy, public service, and nonprofit management, while an MBA emphasizes business strategy and financial management. So, when it comes to Master of Public Administration vs MBA, the better choice depends on whether you want a career rooted in public service or broader business leadership. An MPA program is ideal for those who want to focus on community impact rather than corporate profit.

Are Online Public Administration MBAs Accredited?

Yes, online public administration MBAs are offered by fully accredited schools. They offer the same quality of education as on-campus programs.

How Long Is an Online MBA in Public Administration Program?

A typical MBA program may take between 12 and 24 months to complete. However, this depends on whether you pursue full-time or part-time enrollment status.

Learn More: 1-Year Online MBA Programs

Discover Online MBA Programs

If you're interested in a public administration degree, browse the schools listed on our website. Reach out to individual admissions teams for more detailed information on programs.