Master of Public Administration (MPA) for under $10k

[allvia]

Since I would prefer to make my next step a MPA vs MBA (I work in the non-profit sector), I was looking around today and came across this Master of Public Administration (MPA) through Lamar University. It is a RA school, part of the Texas State University System, and under $10k seems very reasonable (same for in-state or out).  It is not competency based but does have " accelerated, 8-week course format"

https://degree.lamar.edu/programs/master...ation.aspx

I know there was a group of us here looking to take the MPA vs MBA route back when Hodges dropped their UPower (competency based) program earlier this year and figured maybe there were still some low cost ( & possible quick) options available, so I wanted to share what I found.

Any other low cost (& maybe quick - low cost being #1) MPA programs anyone else knows about, please share.

[ThatBankDude]

I am all about accreditation so I would recommend Arkansas State University. The total tuition is $11,025 and they are accredited by the NASPAA.


East Central University
Bachelors of Science - 2015
Biology

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
AACSB-Accredited
Masters of Business Administration - 2019
Management

[bjcheung77]

Lamar is AACSB accredited for their Business programs, but I don't think I see that MPA in the list... otherwise, I would say it's a pretty good program if that's the case. Otherwise, I would recommend if you're going for an MPA and in a state, WGU has a campus, then the WGU MSML that's ACBSP accredited may fit your needs. WGU has offices in several states, for example, Texas or Washington. I am all about the accreditation as well, for Business based programs, it's either AACSB or ACBSP for me...

[harrypotter]

Lamar is AACSB accredited for their Business programs, but I don't think I see that MPA in the list... otherwise, I would say it's a pretty good program if that's the case. Otherwise, I would recommend if you're going for an MPA and in a state, WGU has a campus, then the WGU MSML that's ACBSP accredited may fit your needs. WGU has offices in several states, for example, Texas or Washington. I am all about the accreditation as well, for Business based programs, it's either AACSB or ACBSP for me...

I believe NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs & Administration) is the voluntary accrediting body that would accredit this program.

Edit: Delete. I misread the thread.

[sanantone]

NASPAA is the gold standard for MPA programs. Business accreditations don't mean much in this area.

[cardiacclep]

I completed the Arkansas State MPA program and I think it would be a close fit to what you need. It is now around $11K and is NASPAA accredited which is the gold standard in public administration.

 It is good overall program. Here is my review a few years back: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...MPA-Review 

They have added two tracks and tuition has increased but should answer some things you may have. I have not researched MPA programs in awhile but I have yet to find a cheaper MPA program when I was looking. Good luck.