Location: Adelphi, MD•In-State Tuition: $7,992•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,336
Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,053
95th percentile
Median Debt
$29,202
24% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 50 graduates

Analysis

University of Maryland Global Campus delivers surprisingly strong early earnings for Public Administration graduates—$74,053 puts this program in the 95th percentile nationally, nearly 64% above the typical bachelor's in this field. However, Maryland context matters here: with only two schools offering this program in-state, you're essentially looking at the state median. The debt load of $29,202 is relatively modest, resulting in a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to pay down loans comfortably while building their careers.

The premium pricing story here is that you're paying slightly above the national median debt ($5,576 more) but getting substantially above-median earnings in return. For a field that often struggles with lower starting salaries, breaking into the mid-$70s immediately after graduation represents a meaningful advantage. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than a statistical fluke.

For parents weighing this option, the math works: graduates earn enough in their first year to cover their total debt roughly 2.5 times over. That's strong positioning for a public administration degree, which typically serves students headed into government or nonprofit work where career stability often matters more than explosive salary growth. If your child is committed to public service careers, this program delivers the professional credibility without the debt burden that could make public sector salaries feel constraining.

Where University of Maryland Global Campus Stands

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

University of Maryland Global CampusOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maryland Global Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Maryland Global Campus earns $74k — 95th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Public Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$74,053—$29,2020.39
Barry UniversityMiami$33,450$103,107$65,899$25,7280.25
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$77,077$85,093$31,6030.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$76,049—$37,5000.49
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$73,129—$31,1390.43
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$68,682—$39,2440.57
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 Maryland Global Campus, approximately 28% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.