Location: Fayette, IA•In-State Tuition: $19,000•Admission Rate: 93%•Avg SAT: 929
Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,104
81st percentile
60th percentile in Iowa
Median Debt
$31,000
31% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.51 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Upper Iowa University's Public Administration program shows surprisingly strong outcomes, though the limited sample size means these results might not be typical. Graduates earn a median of $61,104 right out of school—substantially above the national median of $45,278 and even exceeding the 75th percentile nationally. Within Iowa, this ranks in the 60th percentile, outpacing the state median by more than $11,000. Notably, it significantly outperforms the larger University of Northern Iowa program, where graduates earn around $39,000.

The debt picture here is genuinely impressive: $31,000 sits well below national norms and creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.51, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. That's a manageable position for a public sector career where benefits often compensate for slower salary growth.

The major caveat is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. But if you're considering Upper Iowa anyway, this program appears to deliver solid value. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates real breathing room for graduates entering public sector work, which typically doesn't offer the highest starting salaries but provides stability and growth over time.

Where Upper Iowa University Stands

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

Upper Iowa UniversityOther public administration programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Upper Iowa University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Upper Iowa University earns $61k — 81th percentile among public administration bachelors programs.

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
Upper Iowa UniversityFayette$19,000$61,104—$31,0000.51
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$38,877$51,393$27,0000.69
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 Upper Iowa University, 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.