Public Administration at West Virginia University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How West Virginia University graduates compare to all programs nationally
West Virginia University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all public administration masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University | $46,625 | $56,753 | — | — |
| American Public University System | $70,882 | $79,706 | — | — |
| Strayer University-West Virginia | $49,512 | $55,281 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System Charles Town | $8,400 | $70,882 | — |
| Strayer University-West Virginia Scott Depot | $13,920 | $49,512 | — |
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 West Virginia University, approximately 20% 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.