Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at National University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$77,077

95th percentile

80th percentile in California

Median Debt

$31,603

34% above national median

Analysis

National University's Public Administration graduates start at $77,077—70% above the national median and 39% higher than California's typical program. Among California's 14 public administration programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outearning even San Diego State despite that institution's broader reputation. With debt of just $31,603, graduates face a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under half a year's salary.

The trajectory looks solid too: earnings climb 10% to $85,093 by year four, suggesting steady career progression rather than a temporary boost from government entry positions. For parents comparing options, National University delivers nearly identical first-year outcomes to CSU-Northridge while maintaining lower debt levels than most California alternatives.

The main caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one exceptional cohort could skew results. But the pattern is compelling enough to warrant serious consideration: graduates are earning substantially more than peers statewide while taking on reasonable debt. For students interested in public sector management or nonprofit leadership, this combination of strong starting salaries and controlled borrowing creates genuine financial security early in their careers.

Where National University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How National 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
National University	$77,077	$85,093	+10%
Ashford University	$65,503	$60,271	-8%
California State University-Dominguez Hills	$45,471	$58,104	+28%
California State University-Fullerton	$36,626	$57,169	+56%
California State University-San Bernardino	$36,969	$50,540	+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
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
California Baptist UniversityRiverside	$39,720	$68,682	—	$39,244	0.57
Ashford UniversitySan Diego	$13,160	$65,503	$60,271	$41,250	0.63
California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson	$7,064	$45,471	$58,104	$18,965	0.42
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego	$8,290	$41,020	$47,513	$15,000	0.37
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 National 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.