Location: New York, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,410•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,360•Admission Rate: 39%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$46,099
Est. from NY median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,895
Est. from NY median (3 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in Public Administration from CUNY's Graduate School and University Center shows promising financial fundamentals based on what comparable programs produce. With estimated debt around $13,900—well below both the state median of $16,500 and the national median of $23,600—graduates would face a manageable debt burden. Similar programs in New York suggest first-year earnings near $46,100, putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at a comfortable 0.30, meaning debt equals roughly four months of income.

The earnings estimate aligns with New York's median for public administration programs and slightly exceeds the national benchmark of $45,300. However, reported outcomes from other CUNY schools offering this major show considerable variation: John Jay graduates earn nearly $49,000 in their first year, while Baruch graduates start closer to $38,000. This spread suggests that specific program features, career services, or student networks matter significantly—factors that remain unclear without actual data from this particular school.

The low estimated debt makes this a financially lower-risk option compared to most public administration programs nationally. For families concerned about loan burdens, that's the key advantage here. But without reported outcomes from this specific program, you're making an educated guess based on peer schools rather than a decision grounded in demonstrated results. If your student is already committed to public service careers, the debt picture looks manageable; just recognize you're projecting outcomes rather than evaluating them.

Where CUNY Graduate School and University Center Stands

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

CUNY Graduate School and University Center (estimated ±10%)Other public administration programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York$7,410$46,099*—$13,895*—
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$53,912*$60,555$26,000*0.48
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York$7,470$48,881*$56,859$13,895*0.28
CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn$7,352$43,317*—$19,187*0.44
CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York$7,464$37,792*$49,619$13,250*0.35
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 CUNY Graduate School and University Center, approximately 38% 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 median of 4 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.