Public Administration at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's Public Administration program lands right in the middle of the national pack at the 52nd percentile for earnings, but the real story is its performance within Michigan—it outpaces 60% of in-state competitors with first-year earnings of $46,301 versus the state median of $38,767. For Michigan families weighing their options, this represents nearly $8,000 more annually than the typical graduate from this program makes in-state, including those from Wayne State and Grand Valley State. The $27,500 debt load matches the state average but sits below the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59.

The caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few outliers could significantly skew these numbers either direction. That said, the pattern suggests reasonable value for students interested in government or nonprofit careers. The admission profile (91% acceptance rate, modest test scores) indicates accessibility, while the relatively controlled debt burden means graduates aren't handicapped by payments as they enter typically modest-paying public sector roles.

For families prioritizing in-state tuition and public service careers, this program delivers competitive Michigan outcomes without excessive debt. Just recognize the data's limitations before banking on these specific figures.