Public Administration at Ashford University

Ashford's Public Administration program posts strong first-year earnings of $65,503—well above the national median of $45,278 and the California state median of $55,487. At 60th percentile statewide, it performs solidly among California programs, though it trails the top performers like National University and Cal State Northridge. However, the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 8% by year four, falling to $60,271. That's unusual for any bachelor's program and suggests potential job instability or challenges in career advancement. The debt load of $41,250 compounds this worry—it's higher than both the national median ($23,626) and California median ($29,333), landing in the 5th percentile nationally. That means 95% of comparable programs nationwide leave students with less debt.

With nearly a dollar in debt for every $1.59 earned in year one, and declining earnings afterward, the financial picture grows tighter over time. The initial salary advantage over typical public administration programs helps, but you're betting on that small-sample data holding true and your child bucking the downward earnings trend. Given the debt burden and sample uncertainty, exploring the state's more established programs—particularly those with lower debt loads—would be prudent before committing here.