BUSINESS Specialization

Public Policy

Public Policy graduates earn $73,721 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 23.2%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Medical & Health Services Manager is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Public Policy

Public Policy is a focused area of study within Public Administration. Graduates typically earn around $73,721 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 246 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 6,740 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. The curriculum blends analytical and applied coursework aimed at the workplace.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $44,739
Median Earnings · 4yr: $73,721
Colleges Offering: 246
Graduates / Year: 6,740
Avg Net Price / yr: $21,654

How Much Do Public Policy Graduates Earn?

Public Policy graduates earn $73,721 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $53,280 and $104,068. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $44,739 climbs to $73,721 by year four.

$44,739

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$73,721

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$69,656

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Public Policy graduates. Industry and seniority explain most of the spread. Finance, consulting, and strategy roles pull the top end up; operations and administrative roles sit at the bottom.

$53,280 25th pct.

$73,721 Median

$104,068 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $73,721 against an estimated $86,616 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 127 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 6,740 students who complete Public Policy programs each year, the majority (52%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

38% 52%

Master's 52%

Bachelor's 38%

Doctorate 4%

What Can You Do With a Public Policy Degree?

Public Policy connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Political Scientist leads at $142,080/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -3.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Political Scientist

$142,080

$114K $174K 25th–75th pct.

Master's degree 500 openings/yr 6K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Speaking Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Teach political science.
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.

↗ +23.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Medical & Health Services Manager

$123,860

$95K $166K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 62,100 openings/yr 597K employed nationally

Speaking Critical Thinking Writing Monitoring Social Perceptiveness

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.

↗ +17.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Health Specialties Teachers

$107,310

$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Critical Thinking Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +2.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Political Science Teachers

$98,070

$73K $129K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,600 openings/yr 17K employed nationally

Speaking Reading Comprehension Instructing Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +2.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Education Teachers

$75,350

$54K $98K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,600 openings/yr 61K employed nationally

Speaking Reading Comprehension Learning Strategies Active Listening Instructing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

↗ +4.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Social Science Research Assistants

$61,990

$49K $78K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 5,200 openings/yr 31K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking Active Listening Complex Problem Solving

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.

Top Colleges for Public Policy

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Public Policy students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Duke University Durham, NC · Nonprofit	294	5.7%	$29,612	$97,800
2	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	272	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
3	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	241	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
4	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	228	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
5	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	220	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
6	Princeton University Princeton, NJ · Nonprofit	217	4.6%	$6,128	$110,066
7	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	207	9%	$12,548	$82,511
8	Brandeis University Waltham, MA · Nonprofit	188	40.5%	$35,736	$77,231
9	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA · Public	162	16.8%	$21,565	$86,863
10	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	159	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
11	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	142	11%	$13,481	$92,446
12	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	135	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
13	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	128	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
14	Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit	124	11.7%	$31,944	$114,862
15	University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	122	4.5%	$14,860	$91,885
16	University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA · Public	121	76.4%	$14,304	$67,699
17	Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit	106	99%	$29,357	$44,813
18	American University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	105	62%	$41,943	$77,370
19	George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	102	47.1%	$36,586	$90,873
20	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	89	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343

View all colleges

Ranked by Public Policy graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 Policy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Public Policy degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Public Policy Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Public Policy a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $73,721 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $44,739 at graduation to $73,721 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +23.2% over the next decade, with Medical & Health Services Manager among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 102,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Public Policy Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Public Policy graduates earn?

Public Policy graduates earn a national median of $73,721 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $53,280 and $104,068. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Public Policy degree?

One year after graduation, Public Policy degree holders earn a median of $44,739. That climbs to $73,721 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Public Policy degree?

Public Policy degree holders pursue careers including Political Scientist, which pays a median of $142,080/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Public Policy program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Public Policy students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Public Policy?

246 colleges and universities in the United States offer Public Policy programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Public Policy degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $73,721 and an average net price of roughly $21,654/yr, a Public Policy degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Public Policy and Public Administration?

Public Policy is a focused concentration within the broader Public Administration field. The Public Administration major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Public Policy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Public Policy graduates?

Employers hiring Public Policy graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software tend to set candidates apart.

Is graduate school worth it for Public Policy graduates?

An MBA or specialized master's can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Public Policy graduates?

The job outlook for Public Policy graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +7.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Medical & Health Services Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +23.2%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.