Location: St. Petersburg, FL•In-State Tuition: $2,682•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,286
Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,735
40th percentile
Median Debt
$31,809
35% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.74 ManageableSample: 34 graduates

Analysis

St. Petersburg College's public administration program charges significantly more in debt than virtually every other option in Florida while delivering below-average earnings. At $31,809, graduates carry roughly $8,000 more debt than the state median for this degree, yet earn $3,300 less than their peers at other Florida schools. That's a particularly tough combination for a state college program that should theoretically offer a cost advantage.

The numbers tell a consistent story: this program ranks at the 40th percentile both nationally and statewide for earnings, meaning six out of ten comparable programs produce better-paid graduates. Meanwhile, it ranks in just the 5th percentile for debt—only 5% of programs saddle students with higher loan burdens. When Florida International University graduates earn $46,281 and Florida Atlantic hits the state median of $46,047, the question becomes why students would take on more debt for less earning potential at St. Pete.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 isn't catastrophic, and graduates should be able to manage repayment on a $42,735 salary. But this assumes students are getting what they paid for: a credential that opens doors in government and nonprofit sectors. For a one-third Pell Grant population, paying premium debt for below-average outcomes undermines the value proposition. Florida families have stronger public administration options that cost less and deliver more—that matters when choosing where to invest limited resources.

Where St Petersburg College Stands

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

St Petersburg CollegeOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How St Petersburg College graduates compare to all programs nationally

St Petersburg College earns $43k — 40th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$42,735—$31,8090.74
Barry UniversityMiami$33,450$103,107$65,899$25,7280.25
Flagler CollegeSaint Augustine$26,610$61,613$45,251$21,4850.35
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$46,281$47,995$27,0220.58
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$46,047$53,902$19,8040.43
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$38,681$48,198$22,4530.58
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 St Petersburg College, approximately 33% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.