Public Administration at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University's Public Administration program presents a concerning disconnect between Michigan and national performance. While graduates earn slightly below the state median ($42,633 vs. $38,767 after four years), ranking in the 40th percentile among Michigan programs, they fall dramatically short nationally—landing in just the 5th percentile of all public administration programs. Central Michigan University graduates earn nearly $4,000 more annually despite similar in-state tuition costs.

The debt burden tells a more favorable story. At $25,697, it's actually lower than Michigan's median for this program ($27,500) and sits in the 40th percentile nationally. Combined with first-year earnings of $36,236, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. The 18% earnings growth over four years shows steady progression, though starting from a weak baseline matters more than the growth rate itself.

For an anxious Michigan parent, the key question is whether staying in-state justifies these outcomes. If your child is committed to public service and values GVSU's campus experience, the reasonable debt load makes this workable—you're not betting the house. But if career earnings are the priority, consider that most public administration programs in Michigan deliver similar or better results at comparable debt levels. This isn't a financial disaster, but neither is it a standout value in a state with stronger options.