Location: Whitewater, WI•In-State Tuition: $8,250•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,916•Admission Rate: 83%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,951
49th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$27,187
15% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.60 ManageableSample: 21 graduates Limited data

Analysis

UW-Whitewater's Public Administration program produces results that slightly edge out the Wisconsin median, though you're working with limited data here—the small sample size means a few exceptional graduates could skew these figures either way. At the 60th percentile among Wisconsin programs, graduates earn about $600 more than the typical in-state PA graduate, with first-year earnings of $44,951 climbing to $54,579 by year four. That's solid 21% growth and puts graduates roughly on par with national standards.

The debt picture is reasonable rather than remarkable. At $27,187, it's higher than both state and national medians for this major, but the 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for public sector work. The program costs more than La Crosse's ($43,632 earners), though the earnings gap narrows over time.

For a student committed to government or nonprofit work in Wisconsin, this program offers a middle-of-the-pack option at an accessible school. Just remember that these numbers reflect fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. If they're choosing between UW schools, the financial differences are marginal enough that factors like location, campus culture, and specific faculty expertise should drive the decision.

Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands

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

University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earns $45k — 49th 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 Wisconsin-Whitewater$44,951$54,579+21%
National University$77,077$85,093+10%
George Mason University$56,674$69,760+23%
Barry University$103,107$65,899-36%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$43,632$47,804+10%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$44,951$54,579$27,1870.60
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse$9,651$43,632$47,804$20,5000.47
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 Wisconsin-Whitewater, approximately 25% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.