Public Administration at San Francisco State University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How San Francisco State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Francisco State University graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all public administration masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in California (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco State University | $85,122 | $100,510 | — | — |
| Golden Gate University | $91,136 | — | — | — |
| University of San Francisco | $87,976 | $104,363 | — | — |
| California State University-East Bay | $84,881 | $81,485 | — | — |
| California Baptist University | $79,952 | $79,662 | — | — |
| University of Southern California | $78,453 | $92,079 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate University San Francisco | $31,243 | $91,136 | — |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $87,976 | — |
| California State University-East Bay Hayward | $7,055 | $84,881 | — |
| California Baptist University Riverside | $39,720 | $79,952 | — |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $78,453 | — |
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 San Francisco State University, approximately 41% 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.