Location: Manchester, NH•In-State Tuition: $16,450•Admission Rate: 96%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,129
95th percentile
Median Debt
$31,139
32% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 39 graduates

Analysis

Southern New Hampshire University's Public Administration program produces graduates earning $73,129 in their first year—61% above the national median for this degree and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's exceptional performance for a program at a school with a 96% admission rate, though the 60th percentile state ranking suggests New Hampshire simply pays public administration graduates well across the board. With only two schools offering this program in New Hampshire, the competitive landscape is limited.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $31,139, graduates carry just 43 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year earnings—well below the concerning threshold and in the 9th percentile nationally for debt burden. For families concerned about loan repayment, these graduates would need to allocate roughly one-third of their first-year salary to clear their debt entirely, leaving substantial breathing room for other financial goals.

The premium price tag compared to typical public administration programs appears justified by the earnings outcome. While moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual results will vary, the combination of top-tier national earnings with manageable debt makes this a financially solid choice for students committed to public sector careers who can access SNHU's educational model.

Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands

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

Southern New Hampshire UniversityOther public administration programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southern New Hampshire University earns $73k — 95th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Public Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$73,129—$31,1390.43
Barry UniversityMiami$33,450$103,107$65,899$25,7280.25
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$77,077$85,093$31,6030.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$76,049—$37,5000.49
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$74,053—$29,2020.39
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$68,682—$39,2440.57
National Median—$45,278—$23,6260.52

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 Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.