Analysis
Similar Public Administration bachelor's programs in Florida suggest first-year earnings around $46,000—right in line with the statewide and national median for this field. That's a realistic starting point for government or nonprofit work, though it's worth noting that top performers like Barry University's graduates see significantly higher outcomes. The estimated debt of $30,000 is steeper than Florida's typical $24,000 for this major, putting this program's debt burden above what peer institutions are producing.
The 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio falls in workable territory but leaves less room for error than lower-cost alternatives. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on affordable access to public sector careers. When comparable programs across Florida are producing similar earnings with 20% less debt on average, that difference compounds over the repayment period.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Everglades' specific advantages—location, schedule flexibility, or smaller environment—justify paying above the state norm for debt. The career trajectory looks reasonable based on peer programs, but starting your public service career with an extra $6,000 in debt compared to state peers means tighter budgets during those critical early years when you're establishing yourself professionally.
Where Everglades University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public administration bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,768 | $46,047* | — | $30,167* | — | |
| $33,450 | $103,107* | $65,899 | $25,728* | 0.25 | |
| $26,610 | $61,613* | $45,251 | $21,485* | 0.35 | |
| $6,565 | $46,281* | $47,995 | $27,022* | 0.58 | |
| $4,879 | $46,047* | $53,902 | $19,804* | 0.43 | |
| $2,682 | $42,735* | — | $31,809* | 0.74 | |
| National Median | — | $45,278* | — | $23,626* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public administration graduates
Construction Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Urban and Regional Planners
Social and Community Service Managers
Legislators
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
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 Everglades University, approximately 51% 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 7 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.