Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at James Madison University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,396

57th percentile

Median Debt

$19,500

17% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where James Madison University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How James Madison 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
James Madison University	$48,396	$54,888	+13%
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 Virginia

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg	$13,576	$48,396	$54,888	$19,500	0.40
George Mason UniversityFairfax	$13,815	$56,674	$69,760	$20,106	0.35
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 James Madison University, approximately 17% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.