Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at Purdue University Fort Wayne

Median Earnings (1yr)

$34,780

5th percentile

25th percentile in Indiana

Median Debt

$22,242

6% below national median

Analysis

Purdue Fort Wayne's Public Administration program starts slow but makes up considerable ground—first-year earnings of $34,780 lag behind both Indiana's state median ($43,110) and the national benchmark ($45,278), but by year four, graduates reach $47,535. That 37% earnings jump suggests this program may appeal to students entering government or nonprofit roles with structured career ladders, where initial pay is modest but advancement comes predictably. Still, ranking in just the 25th percentile among Indiana's seven programs means three-quarters of comparable state options start graduates at higher salaries.

The $22,242 debt load is manageable and matches the Indiana median, making the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio (0.64) reasonable by community standards even if the initial salary disappoints. Within four years, that ratio improves significantly as earnings climb. However, parents should recognize this program ranks in only the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of public administration programs nationwide produce better first-year outcomes. For comparison, IU Bloomington places its public administration graduates at $47,013 from the start, essentially matching what Purdue Fort Wayne achieves after four years of career progression.

If your child is committed to public service and willing to accept lower starting pay for predictable advancement, the debt burden here won't be crushing. But if they're comparing Indiana options, both IU campuses offer stronger immediate earnings with similar debt levels.

Where Purdue University Fort Wayne Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University Fort Wayne 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
Purdue University Fort Wayne	$34,780	$47,535	+37%
National University	$77,077	$85,093	+10%
George Mason University	$56,674	$69,760	+23%
Indiana University-Bloomington	$47,013	$62,367	+33%
Indiana University-Indianapolis	$43,110	$52,546	+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne	$9,254	$34,780	$47,535	$22,242	0.64
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington	$11,790	$47,013	$62,367	$20,731	0.44
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis	$10,449	$43,110	$52,546	$25,000	0.58
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 Purdue University Fort Wayne, approximately 23% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.