Public Administration (Bachelor's Degree) at Western Carolina University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$56,445

75th percentile

60th percentile in North Carolina

Median Debt

$18,375

22% below national median

Analysis

Western Carolina delivers something rare: a public administration program that substantially outearns the national median ($56,445 versus $45,278) while keeping debt well below average. At just $18,375 in borrowing, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—meaning they owe roughly four months' salary, not years of it. This sits at the 75th percentile nationally for earnings, making it a standout among the 200 programs tracked.

The North Carolina context matters here. With only seven public administration programs in the state, this ranks solidly at the 60th percentile among NC options. The first-year salary of $56,445 actually matches the state median for this degree, suggesting Western Carolina isn't just competing well—it's helping set the standard for what public admin graduates can expect to earn in North Carolina's public sector and nonprofit landscape.

The 4% earnings bump to $58,649 by year four is modest but steady, typical for government and public service careers where pay scales are structured and predictable. For families weighing whether a public administration degree justifies the investment, the numbers here work: low debt, above-average starting salary, and placement in a job market that values these credentials. This is a practical choice for students drawn to public service who need their degree to pencil out financially.

Where Western Carolina University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Western Carolina University	$56,445	$58,649	+4%
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 Nationally

Public Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee	$4,532	$56,445	$58,649	$18,375	0.33
Barry UniversityMiami	$33,450	$103,107	$65,899	$25,728	0.25
National UniversitySan Diego	$13,320	$77,077	$85,093	$31,603	0.41
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge	$7,095	$76,049	—	$37,500	0.49
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi	$7,992	$74,053	—	$29,202	0.39
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester	$16,450	$73,129	—	$31,139	0.43
National Median	—	$45,278	—	$23,626	0.52

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 Western Carolina 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.