Public Administration at Eastern Oregon University

Based on comparable public administration bachelor's programs nationally, Eastern Oregon graduates would enter the workforce earning around $45,000—modestly above Oregon's typical $39,365 for this field. The estimated $21,000 in debt sits between the state median of $16,166 and the national figure of $23,626, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that suggests manageable repayment. For context, the University of Oregon, the only in-state program with reported outcomes, shows lower earnings despite its flagship status, though EOU's figures remain estimates drawn from national peers.

The caution here is twofold. First, small graduate cohorts mean we're working from national patterns rather than EOU-specific outcomes—actual results could vary. Second, public administration careers often require patience: government and nonprofit roles rarely offer explosive salary growth, and many positions favor graduate credentials for advancement. The $45,000 starting point is livable but not lucrative, and the field's trajectory matters as much as the entry point.

The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to public service and wants to stay in Oregon, this estimated financial picture isn't alarming—the debt level won't trap them. But verify what EOU's actual placement rates and employer connections look like, especially given the small program size. Peer data suggests viability, but you'll want concrete evidence that EOU delivers similar results before committing.