Location: Boca Raton, FL•In-State Tuition: $4,879•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,324•Admission Rate: 73%•Avg SAT: 1119
Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,047
52nd percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$19,804
16% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 36 graduates

Analysis

Florida Atlantic University's Public Administration program sits right at the state median for earnings while delivering notably lower debt than most Florida alternatives—graduates carry about $19,800 compared to the state median of $24,090. Among Florida's dozen schools offering this degree, FAU ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, essentially matching competitors like Florida International University while coming in $4,000 cheaper on the debt side.

The earnings trajectory shows healthy progression: graduates start at $46,000 and climb to nearly $54,000 by year four, a 17% increase that suggests developing career momentum in public sector roles. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means first-year payments should be manageable rather than overwhelming. The caveat is that this program produces typical government and nonprofit sector salaries—Barry University's public administration graduates earn twice as much, though likely due to different career paths or additional credentials.

For families considering in-state tuition at an accessible institution (73% admission rate), this represents a practical path into public service careers without excessive financial burden. The combination of below-average debt and middle-of-the-pack earnings creates breathing room for graduates, though those hoping for private-sector salaries should look elsewhere.

Where Florida Atlantic University Stands

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

Florida Atlantic UniversityOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida Atlantic University earns $46k — 52th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Florida Atlantic University$46,047$53,902+17%
Barry University$103,107$65,899-36%
University of Central Florida$38,681$48,198+25%
Florida International University$46,281$47,995+4%
Flagler College$61,613$45,251-27%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$46,047$53,902$19,8040.43
Barry UniversityMiami$33,450$103,107$65,899$25,7280.25
Flagler CollegeSaint Augustine$26,610$61,613$45,251$21,4850.35
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$46,281$47,995$27,0220.58
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$42,735—$31,8090.74
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$38,681$48,198$22,4530.58
National Median—$45,278—$23,6260.52

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 Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.