Public Administration and Social Service Professions at Troy University

Troy University's Public Administration program graduates earn significantly below the national median—$31,454 versus $44,593 in the first year. That 5th percentile national ranking is stark, though context matters: Alabama's entire market for this field pays less than the national average. Even so, Troy's outcomes land at the 25th percentile among the state's limited options, with Jacksonville State University graduates earning $44,778—over $13,000 more annually with similar debt loads.

The debt picture offers modest relief. At $28,968, borrowing sits near both national and state medians, creating a manageable first-year ratio of 0.92. Graduates see reasonable 23% earnings growth by year four, reaching $38,687, though this still trails the national first-year median. For students committed to public service careers in Alabama—where cost of living is lower and state employment dominates this sector—the program delivers functional outcomes without crushing debt.

The tradeoff is clear: you're accepting below-average earnings for a manageable debt load at an accessible institution. For students who need the flexibility of Troy's multiple campuses or online options and plan to stay in Alabama, this works. For those with stronger academic profiles or mobility, Jacksonville State's outcomes suggest better returns are available in-state. The 42% Pell grant rate indicates Troy serves students who may have fewer alternatives, making the reasonable debt structure particularly important.