Public Administration · California

Public Administration colleges in California

CampusPin lists 301 U.S. colleges in California that offer Public Administration programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Public Administration trains graduates for careers in government, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships, combining policy analysis with management practice.

Schools in California that offer Public Administration

Public Administration programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 301 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

301

Public / private

21 / 29

Universities / 2-year

39 / 11

Cities represented

41

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$12,118

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Public Administration program

  • Public administration theory
  • Public policy analysis
  • Public budgeting and finance
  • Public-sector HR and personnel
  • Program evaluation
  • Government and nonprofit management
  • Constitutional and administrative law
  • Capstone project

Where a Public Administration degree can lead

  • Government Program Manager
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • City Manager (with MPA)
  • Foundation Program Officer

Typical pay: $45,000–$72,000 early-career

A Public Administration major covers public policy, public-sector management, public budgeting and finance, public-sector HR, and program evaluation. Programs are often offered alongside or in conjunction with a Master of Public Administration (MPA), many schools allow accelerated 4+1 BSPA + MPA paths. Coursework emphasizes the difference between public-sector and private-sector decision-making (constitutional constraints, transparency, equity, multiple stakeholder accountability).

Graduates work in federal, state, and local government, nonprofits, NGOs, public-private partnerships, and policy research. The MPA is the standard senior-level credential for senior public-sector roles.

Public Administration in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Public Administration schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 301+ Public Administration programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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