Location: Riverside, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,170•Out-of-State Tuition: $44,947•Admission Rate: 63%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,487
Est. from CA median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,000
Est. from CA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Similar public administration programs in California produce starting salaries around $55,000, which would make UC Riverside competitive with the state median—though well behind top performers like Cal State Northridge ($76,000) and National University ($77,000). The estimated $15,000 debt load, however, tells a more favorable story: it's roughly half the state median of $29,000 and substantially lower than the national benchmark of $24,000. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, suggesting manageable repayment regardless of whether graduates pursue government work or pivot to the private sector.

The gap between UC Riverside and the highest-earning California programs is significant—potentially $20,000 annually—but context matters. UCR serves a population where 47% receive Pell grants, and public administration careers often prioritize mission over maximum compensation. If your child is drawn to public service, urban planning, or nonprofit management, the lighter debt burden could provide flexibility to accept lower-paying but meaningful positions early in their career.

Since these are estimates based on peer programs rather than UCR's actual outcomes, request information from the career services office about placement patterns for recent public administration graduates. Where do they land, and what sectors pay best? The combination of moderate earnings potential and low debt looks promising, but you'll want to confirm that UCR specifically prepares students for the higher-paying government and policy roles, not just entry-level administrative positions.

Where University of California-Riverside Stands

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

University of California-Riverside (estimated ±10%)Other public administration programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of California-RiversideRiverside$14,170$55,487*—$15,000*—
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$77,077*$85,093$31,603*0.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$76,049*—$37,500*0.49
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$68,682*—$39,244*0.57
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$65,503*$60,271$41,250*0.63
California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson$7,064$45,471*$58,104$18,965*0.42
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 University of California-Riverside, approximately 47% 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 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.