Public Administration at The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas's Public Administration program sits in an unusual position: its graduates earn below the national median but outperform 40% of Texas programs—a reflection of the state's relatively modest earnings for this degree overall. Starting at $36,328 and climbing to $46,536 by year four represents solid 28% growth, though parents should understand that first-year earnings fall nearly $9,000 below what graduates typically make nationally in this field.

The positive story here is debt. At $17,961, graduates borrow about $5,700 less than the Texas median and $5,665 less than the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that's quite manageable. For context, Texas State's program produces higher earnings ($46,491) but likely requires more investment to achieve those outcomes. The modest debt load means UT Dallas graduates can realistically handle their payments even during that lower-earning first year.

The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing considerably with a larger sample. If your child is drawn to public service work, the combination of UT Dallas's reasonable cost and the program's upward earnings trajectory makes this a defensible choice for an in-state student. Just set realistic expectations about starting salaries—government and nonprofit positions rarely match private sector entry points, though they often provide better benefits and job security.