Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at Missouri Valley College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,278

Est. from national median (45 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$30,167

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $30,000 against first-year earnings around $45,000 places this program in reasonable territory—the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests monthly loan payments that, while substantial, shouldn't overwhelm a typical public administration salary. What's less clear is how Missouri Valley College specifically prepares students for this field. The earnings estimate comes from national medians across 45 bachelor's programs in public administration, and without reported outcomes from this campus, it's difficult to know whether graduates here match that benchmark or fall short.

The school's profile—a 53% admission rate and relatively modest test scores—suggests it serves students who may need extra support navigating the public sector job market. Public administration careers often require networking, internship experience, and understanding of local government structures, all of which can vary significantly by institution. The estimated $30,000 debt figure exceeds the national median of $23,626 for this degree, meaning students here may be borrowing more than peers elsewhere while facing uncertainty about whether their outcomes will match national norms.

The practical question: Can your child secure the government or nonprofit position that justifies this investment? Without school-specific data, you're betting on the broader strength of the degree type rather than this institution's track record. If your child has solid connections to public sector employers in Missouri or clear career goals in government work, the numbers work. If they're exploring options and hoping the degree opens doors, the elevated debt and missing outcomes data should prompt serious conversations about alternatives.

Where Missouri Valley College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Public Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall	$23,000	$45,278*	—	$30,167*	—
Barry UniversityMiami	$33,450	$103,107*	$65,899	$25,728*	0.25
National UniversitySan Diego	$13,320	$77,077*	$85,093	$31,603*	0.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge	$7,095	$76,049*	—	$37,500*	0.49
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi	$7,992	$74,053*	—	$29,202*	0.39
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester	$16,450	$73,129*	—	$31,139*	0.43
National Median	—	$45,278*	—	$23,626*	0.52

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Missouri Valley College, approximately 30% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 45 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.