Public Administration at South University-Columbia
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How South University-Columbia graduates compare to all programs nationally
South University-Columbia graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 5th 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 South Carolina
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Columbia | $45,666 | $48,623 | — | — |
| Clemson University | $65,949 | $85,463 | — | — |
| College of Charleston | $51,115 | $49,698 | — | — |
| Strayer University-South Carolina | $49,512 | $55,281 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University Clemson | $15,554 | $65,949 | — |
| College of Charleston Charleston | $12,978 | $51,115 | — |
| Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville | $13,920 | $49,512 | — |
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 South University-Columbia, approximately 58% 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.