Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at Cleveland State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,278

Est. from national median (45 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$21,000

Est. from national median (36 programs)

Analysis

Cleveland State's Public Administration bachelor's positions graduates right at the national median based on peer programs, with first-year earnings around $45,000—competitive with Miami University and ahead of Ohio State's outcomes in this field. The estimated $21,000 in debt falls below both state and national averages for the major, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. For context, similar programs across Ohio typically see students borrowing closer to $24,000, making Cleveland State's financing picture comparatively favorable.

The four-year earnings figure of $47,479 shows modest but steady growth, though it reinforces what's common across public administration programs: this isn't a field where salaries jump dramatically early in your career. The real question becomes whether government or nonprofit work aligns with your child's goals, since that's where most of these graduates land. The financial fundamentals here are solid—reasonable debt for steady, if unspectacular, earnings.

For parents evaluating this program, the numbers suggest a low-risk investment relative to other public administration options. The combination of below-average estimated borrowing and earnings that track with stronger-brand programs in Ohio makes this a defensible choice if your child is committed to public sector work. Just ensure they understand the salary trajectory before committing.

Where Cleveland State University Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Cleveland State University	—	$47,479	—
National University	$77,077	$85,093	+10%
George Mason University	$56,674	$69,760	+23%
Miami University-Oxford	$45,278	$56,949	+26%
Ohio State University-Main Campus	$41,650	$55,092	+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland	$12,613	$45,278*	$47,479	$21,000*	—
Miami University-OxfordOxford	$17,809	$45,278*	$56,949	$25,731*	0.57
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$41,650*	$55,092	$21,887*	0.53
National Median	—	$45,278*	—	$23,626*	0.52

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Cleveland State University, approximately 39% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 45 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.