Location: Cedar Falls, IA•In-State Tuition: $9,728•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,272•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1120
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,877
25th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
14% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

With earnings at just $38,877 one year out—landing in the bottom quarter both nationally and among Iowa's six public administration programs—University of Northern Iowa's outcomes fall well short of what this degree typically delivers in the state. The $12,000 gap below Iowa's median is particularly notable since in-state students likely chose UNI for its affordability advantage, yet they're ending up with earnings closer to Upper Iowa University's graduates who earn $61,000.

The 32% earnings growth to $51,393 by year four helps close this gap somewhat, and the $27,000 debt load sits slightly below Iowa's norm. That creates a manageable debt-to-income picture once graduates establish themselves in their careers. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

For families counting on public administration to provide stable government or nonprofit sector employment at Iowa wages, this program underdelivers compared to what's available elsewhere in the state. Unless your student has specific reasons to attend UNI—campus fit, particular faculty relationships, or program features not captured in earnings data—the weak salary positioning suggests looking at the state's stronger-performing programs first.

Where University of Northern Iowa Stands

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

University of Northern IowaOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Northern Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Northern Iowa earns $39k — 25th 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 Northern Iowa$38,877$51,393+32%
National University$77,077$85,093+10%
George Mason University$56,674$69,760+23%
Barry University$103,107$65,899-36%
Indiana University-Bloomington$47,013$62,367+33%

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Public Administration bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$38,877$51,393$27,0000.69
Upper Iowa UniversityFayette$19,000$61,104—$31,0000.51
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 Northern Iowa, approximately 24% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.