Location: Orlando, FL•In-State Tuition: $6,368•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,467•Admission Rate: 40%•Avg SAT: 1277
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,681
24th percentile
25th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$22,453
5% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.58 ManageableSample: 59 graduates

Analysis

UCF's Public Administration program lands graduates $7,000 below Florida's median for the degree and in the bottom quartile both statewide and nationally. That first-year salary of $38,681 is striking when nearby Florida International University's grads start at $46,281 and Florida Atlantic matches the state median. The $22,453 debt load is actually below average, but that doesn't offset the earning deficit—you're still looking at more than half a year's salary in loans.

The silver lining is real wage growth: earnings jump 25% to $48,198 by year four, finally approaching what other programs deliver at graduation. For students choosing UCF for in-state tuition or Orlando job market access, this trajectory matters. However, those initial years of lower earnings compound over time—that's four years of smaller 401(k) contributions, delayed home-buying, and slower wealth building compared to peers at other Florida schools.

If your child is set on public administration at a Florida public university, this program ranks near the bottom of available options. The debt is manageable, but starting $7,000 behind state peers means playing catch-up throughout their twenties. Unless UCF offers significant financial aid or specific career connections that justify the earnings gap, programs at FIU or FAU deliver better immediate returns.

Where University of Central Florida Stands

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

University of Central FloridaOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Central Florida earns $39k — 24th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Central Florida$38,681$48,198+25%
Barry University$103,107$65,899-36%
Florida Atlantic University$46,047$53,902+17%
Florida International University$46,281$47,995+4%
Flagler College$61,613$45,251-27%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$38,681$48,198$22,4530.58
Barry UniversityMiami$33,450$103,107$65,899$25,7280.25
Flagler CollegeSaint Augustine$26,610$61,613$45,251$21,4850.35
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$46,281$47,995$27,0220.58
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$46,047$53,902$19,8040.43
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$42,735—$31,8090.74
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 University of Central Florida, approximately 33% 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 59 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.