Compare 47 Public Administration. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $59,609. Top programs: $97,702+.
With top graduates earning $97,702, Public Administration stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $38,000—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige. Across 47 ranked programs, outcomes track program quality, not brand recognition.
Barry University's Public Administration program leads with graduates earning $97,702—well above the $59,609 national average across all 47 programs. Syracuse University follows at $89,732, while California State University-Northridge hits $85,789 at a fraction of the cost. Regional schools competing at this level is exactly why prestige-based selection leaves money on the table.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. California State University-Northridge graduates borrow just $13,872 and face a 3.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, CSUN again leads with a 6.4% family burden—also 'Excellent'—making it the standout on both measures. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →: https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs
Highest program earnings: $97,702
Strong outcomes ($97,702) with 77% acceptance rate
3.0% payment burden | Excellent
6.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Barry UniversityPrivate | $97,702 | 39 | $26,997 | Excellent | $14,569 | Excellent |
| #2 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $89,732 | 85 | $26,000 | Excellent | $39,841 | Manageable |
| #3 | $85,789 | 27 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $77,422 | 448 | $19,509 | Excellent | $32,850 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $75,949 | 14 | $26,063 | Excellent | $31,387 | Manageable | |
| #6 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $71,626 | 48 | $20,093 | Excellent | $37,285 | Manageable |
| #7 | Upper Iowa UniversityPrivate | $70,374 | 23 | $25,000 | Excellent | $14,000 | Good |
| #8 | $70,331 | 90 | $21,868 | Excellent | $18,241 | Manageable | |
| #9 | Flagler CollegePrivate | $70,202 | 20 | $24,250 | Excellent | $29,390 | Manageable |
| #10 | $69,033 | 38 | $11,512 | Excellent | $20,000 | Good | |
| #11 | $68,497 | 36 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Good | |
| #12 | $68,008 | 38 | $13,807 | Excellent | $11,061 | Good | |
| #13 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $67,973 | 34 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Manageable |
| #14 | University Of OregonPublic | $67,030 | 69 | $20,139 | Excellent | $44,405 | Challenging |
| #15 | $66,834 | 43 | $11,000 | Excellent | $16,130 | Good | |
| #16 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $66,396 | 6 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Manageable |
| #17 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $66,141 | 16 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Challenging |
| #18 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $64,953 | 24 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Manageable |
| #19 | $62,424 | 102 | $16,500 | Excellent | $13,610 | Good | |
| #20 | $60,678 | 95 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $60,564 | 64 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $60,383 | 8 | $23,188 | Good | $18,635 | Manageable | |
| #23 | University Of La VernePrivate | $60,094 | 29 | $23,500 | Good | $27,977 | Challenging |
| #24 | $60,079 | 14 | $22,500 | Good | $16,958 | Manageable | |
| #25 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $59,074 | 30 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Manageable |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
