Public Administration at Columbia Southern University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia Southern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Columbia Southern University graduates earn $64k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all public administration masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | $63,643 | $68,234 | — | — |
| Troy University | $51,555 | $62,625 | — | — |
| Strayer University-Alabama | $49,512 | $55,281 | — | — |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $48,736 | $52,720 | — | — |
| South University-Montgomery | $45,666 | $48,623 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy University Troy | $9,792 | $51,555 | — |
| Strayer University-Alabama Birmingham | $13,920 | $49,512 | — |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham | $8,832 | $48,736 | — |
| South University-Montgomery Montgomery | $18,238 | $45,666 | — |
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 Columbia Southern University, approximately 21% 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.