Nonprofit and Organizational Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals aiming to lead and sustain mission-driven organizations, this program equips learners with advanced competencies in managing the operational, financial, and strategic dimensions of nonprofit entities and public sector institutions. Students develop a rigorous understanding of governance, resource allocation, and ethical leadership within complex regulatory environments.
- Business Management in the Nonprofit Sector: Explores leadership frameworks, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness tailored to mission-centered institutions, emphasizing sustainability and impact over profit.
- Public Administration Principles: Examines the structure, function, and policy implementation within public agencies, focusing on accountability, transparency, and service delivery in governmental and civic contexts.
- Accounting and Financial Management: Provides in-depth training in financial reporting, budgeting, grant management, and fund accounting specific to nonprofit entities and public institutions.
- Human Resources Management: Covers recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and labor relations in nonprofit and public sector environments, with attention to equity and workforce development.
- Nonprofit Taxation and Compliance: Investigates federal and state tax regulations, including IRS rules on tax-exempt status, donor restrictions, and reporting obligations for 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Business Law and Governance: Analyzes legal frameworks governing nonprofit operations, including board responsibilities, fiduciary duties, contract law, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Nonprofit and Organizational Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nonprofit and Organizational Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nonprofit and Organizational Management degrees, including Chief Executives, Managers, All Other and Fundraising Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 5,488,060 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives 11-1011 | $206,420 | $73,710 - $239,200 | 211,850 | $99.24 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Fundraising Managers 11-2033 | $123,480 | $73,700 - $216,660 | 36,920 | $59.36 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| General and Operations Managers 11-1021 | $102,950 | $47,420 - $239,200 | 3,584,420 | $49.50 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Education Administrators, All Other 11-9039 | $89,040 | $49,490 - $158,050 | 53,330 | $42.81 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other 13-2099 | $80,190 | $46,420 - $151,780 | 127,450 | $38.55 |
| Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151 | $78,240 | $50,020 - $129,820 | 195,490 | $37.61 |
Salary Comparison
Nonprofit and Organizational Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,223 in Arkansas to $151,612 in District of Columbia—a 107% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 5,488,060 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Nonprofit and Organizational Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Nonprofit and Organizational Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nonprofit and Organizational Management is found at Purdue University Global (211 graduates), University of Denver (DU) (130 graduates), Indian River State College (IRSC) (95 graduates), DeVry University, Illinois (87 graduates), and University of Notre Dame (ND) (72 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,262 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global |
Bachelor's
|
211 | N/A | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
130 |
SAT: 1240-1410 ACT: 29-32 |
Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Bachelor's
|
95 | N/A | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| DeVry University |
Master's
|
87 |
SAT: 990-1130 ACT: 19-23 |
Lisle, Illinois | Private | devry.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Master's
|
72 |
SAT: 1440-1540 ACT: 33-35 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU Metro) |
Master's
|
69 | N/A | Teaneck, New Jersey | Private | fdu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
65 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
62 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
56 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Master's
|
52 |
SAT: 1390-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs |
Master's
|
50 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
48 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
45 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
|
45 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
42 | SAT: 860-1160 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
42 |
SAT: 1180-1380 ACT: 26-32 |
Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
39 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 24-32 |
Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
31 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Alvernia University |
Master's
|
29 | SAT: 1066-1253 | Reading, Pennsylvania | Private | alvernia.edu |
| Liberty University |
Master's
|
29 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
28 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
27 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
|
27 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of West Florida (UWF) |
Master's
|
26 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-27 |
Pensacola, Florida | Public | uwf.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
25 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
24 | N/A | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
23 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
22 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 22-30 |
Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) |
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 875-1070 ACT: 15-18 |
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana | Private | smwc.edu |
| Metropolitan State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 | ACT: 16-23 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | metrostate.edu |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 950-1200 ACT: 20-27 |
Winona Lake, Indiana | Private | grace.edu |
| University of Houston (UHD) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
19 |
SAT: 960-1110 ACT: 17-23 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uhd.edu |
| University of San Francisco (USF) |
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 1210-1390 ACT: 26-31 |
San Francisco, California | Private | usfca.edu |
| Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC‑JIR) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | huc.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University |
Master's
|
18 | N/A | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Postbac Cert.
|
17 |
SAT: 1350-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 1530-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Regis University |
Master's
|
16 | N/A | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| Colorado Christian University (CCU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
15 | N/A | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | ccu.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Charleston Southern University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15 |
SAT: 950-1160 ACT: 17-24 |
Charleston, South Carolina | Private | charlestonsouthern.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Hamline University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1146-1393 ACT: 20-28 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | hamline.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | ACT: 17-25 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Gallaudet University |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 750-933 ACT: 14-18 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gallaudet.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| City Vision University (TechMission) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | cityvision.edu |
| Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) |
Master's
|
12 | N/A | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ollusa.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 |
SAT: 1080-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1100-1300 ACT: 25-29 |
New York, New York | Private | mmm.edu |
| Wiley University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | N/A | Marshall, Texas | Private | wileyc.edu |
| Bay Path University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | N/A | Longmeadow, Massachusetts | Private | baypath.edu |
| North Park University |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | northpark.edu |
| Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | cps.unh.edu |
| John Carroll University (JCU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-30 |
University Heights, Ohio | Private | jcu.edu |
| The Evergreen State College |
Other Award
|
9 |
SAT: 890-1260 ACT: 22-26 |
Olympia, Washington | Public | evergreen.edu |
| Springfield College |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | springfield.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 |
SAT: 916-1133 ACT: 19-25 |
Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| The University of Tampa (UTampa) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | N/A | Tampa, Florida | Private | ut.edu |
| Georgia College & State University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 |
SAT: 1060-1240 ACT: 21-26 |
Milledgeville, Georgia | Public | gcsu.edu |
| Andrews University |
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1070-1370 ACT: 20-28 |
Berrien Springs, Michigan | Private | andrews.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Empire State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | N/A | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Other Award
|
7 |
SAT: 940-1210 ACT: 17-24 |
Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| Cairn University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1050-1260 ACT: 23-27 |
Langhorne, Pennsylvania | Private | cairn.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 950-1170 ACT: 19-26 |
Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 22-30 |
Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Seattle University (Seattle U) |
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1130-1350 ACT: 23-30 |
Seattle, Washington | Private | seattleu.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University (JWU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 | N/A | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | online.jwu.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1050-1310 ACT: 21-28 |
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
6 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Louisiana State University (LSUS) |
Post-Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1000-1150 ACT: 19-24 |
Shreveport, Louisiana | Public | lsus.edu |
| Worcester State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
6 | SAT: 1008-1280 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | worcester.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Lindenwood University |
Master's
|
6 | ACT: 19-24 | Saint Charles, Missouri | Private | lindenwood.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Master's
|
6 | SAT: 960-1190 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Saint Augustine's University (SAU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | st-aug.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 |
SAT: 1050-1300 ACT: 22-28 |
Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Pacific University |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 990-1240 ACT: 17-28 |
Forest Grove, Oregon | Private | pacificu.edu |
| Temple University |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 19-26 |
Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1040-1280 ACT: 19-26 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Missouri Valley College (MVC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 920-1140 ACT: 16-22 |
Marshall, Missouri | Private | moval.edu |
| Pace University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1130-1328 ACT: 24-29 |
New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| Gratz College |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Melrose Park, Pennsylvania | Private | gratz.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1040-1300 ACT: 19-26 |
Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 905-1205 ACT: 17-24 |
Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Nonprofit and Organizational Management programs
How much can I earn with a Nonprofit and Organizational Management degree?
Salaries for Nonprofit and Organizational Management graduates vary by role and location. Chief Executives earn a median of $206,420 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $151,612 compared to $73,223 in Arkansas. Approximately 5,488,060 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Nonprofit and Organizational Management programs?
Currently 185 accredited institutions offer Nonprofit and Organizational Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Purdue University Global (211 graduates), University of Denver (DU) (130 graduates), and Indian River State College (IRSC) (95 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Nonprofit and Organizational Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,555 in 2010 to a peak of 2,923 in 2020, before declining slightly to 2,454 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Nonprofit and Organizational Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Chief Executives, Managers, All Other, and Fundraising Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 5,488,060 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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