Public Administration at Western Michigan University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Michigan University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 50th 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 Michigan
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University | $58,501 | $60,001 | — | — |
| Central Michigan University | $67,233 | $60,204 | — | — |
| University of Michigan-Flint | $62,493 | $55,292 | — | — |
| Wayne State University | $62,310 | — | — | — |
| Eastern Michigan University | $60,337 | — | — | — |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $57,637 | $74,152 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant | $14,190 | $67,233 | — |
| University of Michigan-Flint Flint | $14,014 | $62,493 | — |
| Wayne State University Detroit | $14,297 | $62,310 | — |
| Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti | $15,510 | $60,337 | — |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn | $14,944 | $57,637 | — |
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 Michigan University, 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.