Location: Riverside, CA•In-State Tuition: $39,720•Admission Rate: 74%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,682
91st percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$39,244
66% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.57 ManageableSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

California Baptist University's Public Administration graduates earn $68,682 in their first year—about 24% more than the California median and an impressive 52% above the national average for the program. That's solidly competitive with top California programs, though the 60th percentile ranking in-state suggests there's meaningful variation among California schools. The debt load of $39,244 is higher than typical for public administration programs (which nationally average $23,626), but the strong starting salary keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.57. This means graduates can expect to owe about seven months' salary—well within sustainable territory.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. That said, if these earnings hold, the program delivers real value for a private Christian university where 41% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting accessibility alongside outcomes.

For parents weighing this option, the key question is whether the $10,000-plus debt premium over the state average is worth it for your family's particular circumstances. The earnings suggest graduates can handle the payment, and CBU's 74% admission rate makes it an accessible path to above-average public administration outcomes. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited data points.

Where California Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public administration bachelors's programs nationally

California Baptist UniversityOther public administration programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California Baptist University graduates compare to all programs nationally

California Baptist University earns $69k — 91th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$68,682—$39,2440.57
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$77,077$85,093$31,6030.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$76,049—$37,5000.49
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$65,503$60,271$41,2500.63
California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson$7,064$45,471$58,104$18,9650.42
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego$8,290$41,020$47,513$15,0000.37
National Median—$45,278—$23,6260.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public administration graduates

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

$83,720/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Legislators

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Baptist University, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.