Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests manageable financial risk for this public administration degree, with estimated debt of $21,000—slightly below what similar bachelor's programs nationally report. That's less than half the first-year salary projection of roughly $45,000, based on national outcomes for public administration graduates. For Oklahoma specifically, comparable programs show even lower median debt around $20,500, suggesting Rogers State's estimated load aligns with state norms. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are budget-conscious, making that relatively modest debt burden meaningful.
The challenge is that these figures come entirely from peer institutions rather than Rogers State's actual graduate outcomes. The small sample size that triggered this estimation could mean the program is newly established, has low enrollment, or produces outcomes too variable to publish reliably. Public administration careers—spanning city management, nonprofit leadership, and government operations—can vary dramatically in starting pay depending on sector choice and geographic location within Oklahoma.
Before committing, get specifics from the department about graduate placement: where do completers actually work, and what do they earn? A public administration degree's value hinges heavily on internship quality and local government connections. If Rogers State has strong partnerships with Oklahoma municipalities or state agencies, this program could launch a stable career at a price point that won't derail your family's finances. Without that institutional track record visible in the data, you're betting on comparable programs' success translating to this specific setting.
Where Rogers State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,392 | $45,278* | — | $21,000* | — | |
| $33,450 | $103,107* | $65,899 | $25,728* | 0.25 | |
| $13,320 | $77,077* | $85,093 | $31,603* | 0.41 | |
| $7,095 | $76,049* | — | $37,500* | 0.49 | |
| $7,992 | $74,053* | — | $29,202* | 0.39 | |
| $16,450 | $73,129* | — | $31,139* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $45,278* | — | $23,626* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public administration graduates
Construction Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Urban and Regional Planners
Social and Community Service Managers
Legislators
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
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 Rogers State University, approximately 38% 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.