Compare 7 Public Administration. programs in the Northeast. Average earnings: $47,279.
Public Administration programs produce graduates earning between $32,409 and $60,555—a $28K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in the Northeast, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Syracuse University's Public Administration program leads with graduates earning $60,555, well above the regional average of $47,279. But the story reveals regional publics competing strongly—CUNY John Jay follows at $56,859 despite broader accessibility with a 57% acceptance rate, proving program excellence exists beyond prestigious names.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. CUNY John Jay graduates borrow $11,000 and face just a 4.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their $56,859 post-grad income, delivering strong outcomes with manageable debt.
Highest program earnings: $60,555
Strong outcomes ($56,859) with 57% acceptance
4.4% payment burden | Excellent
11.8% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $60,555 | 77 | $26,000 | Good | $39,841 | High |
| #2 | $56,859 | 67 | $11,000 | Excellent | $16,130 | Good | |
| #3 | $49,619 | 40 | $11,512 | Excellent | $20,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Kean UniversityPublic | $47,167 | 48 | $23,250 | Manageable | $22,000 | High |
| #5 | $43,317 | 32 | $10,988 | Excellent | $10,068 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $41,025 | 5 | $25,000 | Challenging | $28,373 | High | |
| #7 | Rhode Island CollegePublic | $32,409 | 11 | $20,500 | High | $14,512 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
