Public Administration

About Public Administration

Government administration, urban planning, nonprofit management, and public policy — careers built around serving communities rather than maximizing shareholder returns. Graduates earn a national median of $51,790 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,459 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 96,694 students complete degrees in this area each year.

Median Earnings · 1yr

$37,965

Median Earnings · 4yr

$51,790

Colleges Offering

1,459

Graduates / Year

96,694

Specializations

6

Avg Net Price / yr

$23,131

Is a Public Administration Degree Right for You?

Is the Investment Worth It?

At median 4-year earnings of $51,790 and an estimated $92,524 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.2 years. Compare your specific program carefully.

How Much Do Public Administration Majors Earn?

Public Administration graduates start at a median $37,965 one year out and reach $51,790 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,459 US institutions offering programs in this field.

What Can You Do With a Public Administration Degree?

Career Paths for Public Administration Graduates

Public Administration connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Chief Executives leads in median earnings at $213,990/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.

Public Administration Specializations

Public Administration spans 6 specializations with relatively consistent earnings, from $48,597 to $73,721 at the four-year mark, per College Scorecard. Each row links to a full program profile with institution counts and annual completion data.

Best Colleges for Public Administration

The 20 colleges below are ranked by Public Administration graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.

Ranked by number of Public Administration graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →

How Public Administration Compares to Similar Majors

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Public Administration degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.

Public Administration Degree: Pros & Cons

Public Administration carries financial trade-offs that prospective students should weigh carefully before committing. The 2 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

Public Administration Degree: Frequently Asked Questions