Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at Grand Valley State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$36,236

5th percentile

40th percentile in Michigan

Median Debt

$25,697

9% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Grand Valley State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Grand Valley State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Grand Valley State University	$36,236	$42,633	+18%
National University	$77,077	$85,093	+10%
George Mason University	$56,674	$69,760	+23%
Barry University	$103,107	$65,899	-36%
Indiana University-Bloomington	$47,013	$62,367	+33%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$36,236	$42,633	$25,697	0.71
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant	$14,190	$46,301	—	$27,500	0.59
Wayne State UniversityDetroit	$14,297	$38,767	—	$30,750	0.79
National Median	—	$45,278	—	$23,626	0.52

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 Grand Valley State University, approximately 26% 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 100 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.