Bush School Master’s Program Named ‘Best Value’ In The Nation

The Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree at the Bush School was named the “Best Value” in the nation by the online resource Value Colleges. The rankings were based on the average starting salary of graduates, the annual cost of attendance, and the 2016 MPA ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

“The Bush School of Government and Public Service has become one of the most respected graduate schools for government and policy in the nation, ranking in the top 25 public schools,” said Carrie Sealey-Morris, editor of Value Colleges. “The school is also a rare value, as all master’s students pay in-state tuition, making it one of the most affordable programs of its kind.”

This past year, U.S. News & World Report named the department’s specialties in public policy analysis and public management administration among the top 20 among public schools and its nonprofit management specialty among the top 10 among public schools. The Bush School was ranked 19th among public schools and 31st overall. All students receive in-state tuition and are offered some form of scholarship, with top-level awards exceeding $15,000 annually.

“In addition to exceptional teaching and the low cost of attendance, the school also boasts impressive employment numbers,” said Matt Upton, assistant dean for career and student services at the Bush School. “The low cost of living in the Bryan/College Station area also makes a Bush School education exceptionally affordable.”

Last year, 93 percent of MPSA graduates landed a career-related job within six months of graduation, say school officials. Recent graduates have gone on to serve at some of the highest levels in their fields, finding careers in the Texas Legislature, American Red Cross, Brookings Institution, United Way, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senate, Ernst & Young, and the City of Austin, among others.

“Bush School graduates are being launched into a variety of fields, ready to face today’s most pressing issues with an unmatched education as their foundation,” said Michael K. Young, President of Texas A&M University. “The MPSA Program prepares our students for future success by creating intellectually transformative experiences through cutting-edge institutes, capstone projects, challenging coursework and leadership conferences to name a few.”

“This recent ranking reinforces the fact that our MPSA program provides an exceptional education while also providing a great value,” said Ryan Crocker, dean of the Bush School. “With renowned faculty, an extraordinary student-faculty ratio, and a rigorous curriculum—all at an affordable cost—we ensure that those who have chosen to commit their lives to public service are able to do so without a heavy financial burden.”

View the Value Colleges rankings at http://www.valuecolleges.com/rankings/best-mpa-programs-2016.