Location: Brownsville, TX•In-State Tuition: $3,148•Out-of-State Tuition: $4,948
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,358
Est. from TX median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,649
Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $22,600 might sound manageable until you consider that similar public administration programs in Texas produce first-year earnings around $38,400—meaning graduates could face debt equal to about 60% of their first year's salary. That's a significant burden for an entry-level public sector position, where salaries often grow slowly and predictably rather than rapidly.

The broader Texas picture offers little reassurance. Programs at UT San Antonio and UT Dallas—larger universities with more established networks—show similar or even slightly lower earnings outcomes in this field. The exception is Texas State at over $46,000, suggesting that the public administration job market in Texas may be particularly sensitive to location and institutional connections. For a smaller program at a community college transitioning to four-year offerings, breaking through those ceiling effects could prove challenging.

For families considering this path, the estimated numbers suggest caution. Public administration careers often require graduate degrees for advancement, meaning this bachelor's could be just the first stop in a longer—and more expensive—educational journey. Before committing, look hard at whether this specific program has placement relationships with local government offices in the Rio Grande Valley, as regional employer connections may matter more than the credential itself in determining actual outcomes.

Where Texas Southmost College Stands

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

Texas Southmost College (estimated ±10%)Other public administration programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Texas Southmost CollegeBrownsville$3,148$38,358*—$22,649*—
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$11,450$46,491*$48,152$27,418*0.59
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$38,358*$43,594$20,500*0.53
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$36,328*$46,536$17,961*0.49
National Median—$45,278*—$23,626*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Texas Southmost College, approximately 31% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.