Public Administration at University of Northern Iowa

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.