Location: Syracuse, NY•In-State Tuition: $63,061•Admission Rate: 42%•Avg SAT: 1351
Median Earnings (1yr)
$53,912
69th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$26,000
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 89 graduates

Analysis

Syracuse's public administration program stands out in New York's crowded field, placing graduates in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $53,912—well above both the state median of $46,099 and the national median of $45,278. That $7,800 premium over typical New York grads compounds over time, with four-year earnings reaching $60,555. The program even outperforms CUNY John Jay, traditionally known for strong public sector placement.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $26,000, graduates carry about $9,500 more than the typical New York public administration student, reflecting Syracuse's private school tuition. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means students are borrowing less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that most financial aid experts consider sustainable. The higher upfront cost appears justified by stronger earnings that persist years after graduation.

For families weighing Syracuse against SUNY or CUNY alternatives, this is a straightforward calculation: you'll pay roughly $10,000 more in debt but earn nearly $8,000 more annually right out of school. Given the 12% earnings growth trajectory and Syracuse's stronger alumni network in government and nonprofit sectors, the premium makes sense for students serious about public sector careers who can handle moderate debt loads.

Where Syracuse University Stands

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

Syracuse UniversityOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Syracuse University earns $54k — 69th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Syracuse University$53,912$60,555+12%
National University$77,077$85,093+10%
George Mason University$56,674$69,760+23%
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice$48,881$56,859+16%
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College$37,792$49,619+31%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$53,912$60,555$26,0000.48
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York$7,470$48,881$56,859$13,8950.28
CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn$7,352$43,317—$19,1870.44
CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York$7,464$37,792$49,619$13,2500.35
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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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 89 graduates with reported earnings and 93 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.