Location: Oxford, OH•In-State Tuition: $17,809•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,025•Admission Rate: 82%•Avg SAT: 1313
Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,278
50th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$25,731
9% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.57 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Miami University-Oxford's Public Administration program produces outcomes that sit right at the national median for starting salaries ($45,278), but the trajectory stands out: graduates see earnings jump 26% to $56,949 within four years, pushing them near the 75th percentile nationally by that point. Among Ohio's 13 public administration programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—notably ahead of Ohio State's program, which starts graduates at $41,650. The debt load of $25,731 translates to a manageable 0.57 ratio against first-year earnings.

The strong earnings progression suggests these graduates land roles with clear advancement potential, whether in government agencies, nonprofits, or policy organizations. That said, the sample size is small (under 30 graduates), so individual career choices can swing these numbers significantly year to year. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (11%) might also indicate a student body with additional family resources to smooth the early-career earning years.

For families comparing Ohio options, this represents a solid mid-tier choice—you're paying slightly more in debt than the state median but getting better outcomes than most in-state alternatives. The key question is whether your student wants public sector work specifically, since these earnings, while growing nicely, won't match business or tech programs at the same school.

Where Miami University-Oxford Stands

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

Miami University-OxfordOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally

Miami University-Oxford earns $45k — 50th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Miami University-Oxford$45,278$56,949+26%
National University$77,077$85,093+10%
George Mason University$56,674$69,760+23%
Barry University$103,107$65,899-36%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,650$55,092+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$45,278$56,949$25,7310.57
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$41,650$55,092$21,8870.53
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 Miami University-Oxford, approximately 11% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.