Public Administration at James Madison University

James Madison University's Public Administration program produces reliable career outcomes at manageable debt levels, though it trails other Virginia options for first-year earnings. Starting at $48,396, graduates earn 7% more than the national median but fall 8% below Virginia's state median of $52,535—placing this program in the 40th percentile among the state's five programs. George Mason leads the pack at $56,674, suggesting geographic or networking advantages may play a role in these gaps.

The debt picture offers reassurance: at $19,500, graduates carry 17% less than the national median and stay right in line with Virginia norms. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means students owe less than five months of salary—comfortable territory for public sector work where steady employment often matters more than peak earnings. Growth to $54,888 by year four shows reliable progression, though it doesn't close the gap with higher-earning Virginia programs.

For families seeking affordable entry into government or nonprofit careers, this program delivers solid fundamentals without financial strain. The question is whether location matters: if your student wants to work in Northern Virginia's government corridor (where Mason's alumni concentrate), paying more for that proximity might make sense. If they're content with solid public sector work anywhere in the state, JMU's combination of reasonable debt and stable earnings makes it a sensible choice.