UnisHub University Compass

Public Administration: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Public Administration is a rigorous academic discipline focused on the effective governance and management of public institutions at local, state, and federal levels. It equips students with the strategic, analytical, and ethical frameworks needed to lead complex governmental operations in service of the public good.

  • Principles of Public Administration: Explores the foundational theories, historical evolution, and core functions of governmental management, emphasizing efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness.
  • Public Policy Management: Focuses on the development, implementation, evaluation, and reform of public policies across diverse societal domains such as health, education, and environmental regulation.
  • Executive-Legislative Relations: Examines the dynamics, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms between executive leadership and legislative bodies in shaping public governance.
  • Public Budgeting and Financial Management: Covers fiscal planning, resource allocation, budget formulation, performance-based budgeting, and financial accountability in public sector organizations.
  • Administrative Law: Investigates the legal frameworks governing administrative actions, regulatory processes, and the rights and responsibilities of public agencies and citizens.
  • Public Personnel Management: Addresses human resource strategies in government, including recruitment, performance evaluation, labor relations, and leadership development in public workforce settings.
  • Professional Ethics in Government: Engages with ethical decision-making, integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service to uphold trust and institutional credibility.
  • Research Methods in Public Administration: Develops skills in quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and evidence-based policy evaluation to inform effective governance.

Public Administration Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

13,898
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
426
Universities & Colleges
7
Career Pathways

Public Administration Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Public Administration degrees, including Chief Executives, Managers, All Other and General and Operations 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 4,876,060 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
General and Operations Managers 11-1021 $102,950 $47,420 - $239,200 3,584,420 $49.50
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 11-3071 $102,010 $61,200 - $180,590 213,000 $49.05
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 11-9131 $92,730 $81,430 - $109,140 13,810 $44.58
Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151 $78,240 $50,020 - $129,820 195,490 $37.61
Legislators 11-1031 $44,810 $20,380 - $137,820 26,510 N/A

Salary Comparison

Public Administration Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,820 in Arkansas to $164,454 in District of Columbia—a 106% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 4,876,060 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 Public Administration by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 100 institutions offering Public Administration 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 Public Administration is found at Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (556 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (409 graduates), Harvard University (263 graduates), New York University (NYU) (262 graduates), and Syracuse University (237 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 9,699 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
Indiana University (IUB)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
556 SAT: 1170-1400
ACT: 27-32
Bloomington, Indiana Public indiana.edu
Columbia University in the City of New York
Master's
409 SAT: 1490-1570
ACT: 34-35
New York, New York Private columbia.edu
Harvard University
Master's
263 SAT: 1500-1580
ACT: 34-36
Cambridge, Massachusetts Private harvard.edu
New York University (NYU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
262 SAT: 1480-1570
ACT: 33-35
New York, New York Private nyu.edu
Syracuse University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
237 SAT: 1260-1430
ACT: 28-32
Syracuse, New York Private syracuse.edu
Liberty University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
230 N/A Lynchburg, Virginia Private liberty.edu
University of Phoenix (UOPX)
Bachelor's
Master's
228 N/A Phoenix, Arizona Private phoenix.edu
Walden University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
202 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private waldenu.edu
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Master's
173 SAT: 1058-1175
ACT: 19-24
Phoenix, Arizona Private gcu.edu
California State University (CSUN)
Bachelor's
Master's
173 N/A Northridge, California Public csun.edu
Ohio State University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
171 SAT: 1330-1480
ACT: 29-32
Columbus, Ohio Public osu.edu
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Bachelor's
Master's
170 SAT: 1210-1410 New York, New York Public baruch.cuny.edu
University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Master's
169 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Private upenn.edu
University of Southern California (USC)
Master's
168 SAT: 1440-1550
ACT: 32-35
Los Angeles, California Private usc.edu
American University (AU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
162 SAT: 1300-1450
ACT: 29-33
Washington, District of Columbia Private american.edu
Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
160 N/A Orange Beach, Alabama Private columbiasouthern.edu
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
158 SAT: 1190-1350
ACT: 25-29
Orlando, Florida Public ucf.edu
Texas A & M University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
153 SAT: 1140-1380
ACT: 25-31
College Station, Texas Public tamu.edu
University of Washington (UW)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
148 N/A Seattle, Washington Public washington.edu
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Bachelor's
Master's
145 SAT: 1000-1250 New York, New York Public jjay.cuny.edu
Florida International University (FIU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
139 SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 20-26
Miami, Florida Public fiu.edu
California State University (CSUDH)
Bachelor's
Master's
133 N/A Carson, California Public csudh.edu
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Master's
Doctorate (R)
132 SAT: 980-1220
ACT: 21-27
Denver, Colorado Public ucdenver.edu
Western Carolina University (WCU)
Bachelor's
Master's
130 SAT: 1050-1260
ACT: 20-26
Cullowhee, North Carolina Public wcu.edu
Cornell University
Master's
129 SAT: 1480-1560
ACT: 33-35
Ithaca, New York Private cornell.edu
The University of Texas
Postbac Cert.
Master's
128 SAT: 990-1230
ACT: 18-26
Arlington, Texas Public uta.edu
Florida State University (FSU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
104 SAT: 1240-1390
ACT: 27-31
Tallahassee, Florida Public fsu.edu
George Mason University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
100 SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-30
Fairfax, Virginia Public www2.gmu.edu
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
99 N/A San Diego, California Public sdsu.edu
Barry University
Bachelor's
Master's
98 N/A Miami, Florida Private barry.edu
California State University (CSUSB)
Master's
97 N/A San Bernardino, California Public csusb.edu
University of Hawaii (UHWO)
Bachelor's
92 SAT: 1030-1210
ACT: 15-21
Kapolei, Hawaii Public westoahu.hawaii.edu
Indiana University (IU Indianapolis)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
90 SAT: 1040-1230
ACT: 21-28
Indianapolis, Indiana Public indianapolis.iu.edu
California State University (CSULB)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
89 N/A Long Beach, California Public csulb.edu
University of Oregon (UO)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
85 SAT: 1130-1360
ACT: 22-30
Eugene, Oregon Public uoregon.edu
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
84 SAT: 1530-1580
ACT: 34-35
Baltimore, Maryland Private jhu.edu
Northeastern University (NU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
84 SAT: 1460-1550
ACT: 33-35
Boston, Massachusetts Private northeastern.edu
Northwestern University
Master's
Post-Master's
83 SAT: 1490-1560
ACT: 33-35
Evanston, Illinois Private northwestern.edu
American Public University System (APUS)
Master's
82 N/A Charles Town, West Virginia Private apus.edu
National University (NU)
Bachelor's
Master's
81 N/A San Diego, California Private nu.edu
Rutgers University
Master's
Doctorate (R)
79 N/A Newark, New Jersey Public newark.rutgers.edu
University of Missouri (Mizzou)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
77 SAT: 1150-1330
ACT: 23-29
Columbia, Missouri Public missouri.edu
University at Albany (UAlbany)
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
77 N/A Albany, New York Public albany.edu
University of Georgia (UGA)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
73 SAT: 1160-1390
ACT: 25-32
Athens, Georgia Public uga.edu
Anna Maria College
Master's
72 N/A Paxton, Massachusetts Private annamaria.edu
Arkansas State University (A-State)
Master's
71 SAT: 1030-1180
ACT: 19-25
Jonesboro, Arkansas Public astate.edu
Pennsylvania State University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
70 SAT: 1100-1340
ACT: 18-30
University Park, Pennsylvania Public worldcampus.psu.edu
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
69 SAT: 1040-1210
ACT: 20-26
Boca Raton, Florida Public fau.edu
University of Kansas (KU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
69 SAT: 1050-1290
ACT: 21-27
Lawrence, Kansas Public ku.edu
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
69 N/A Adelphi, Maryland Public umgc.edu
Texas State University (TXST)
Bachelor's
Master's
69 SAT: 980-1190
ACT: 19-26
San Marcos, Texas Public txst.edu
Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
68 N/A Tempe, Arizona Public asu.edu
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
Master's
65 SAT: 910-1110
ACT: 16-22
Edinburg, Texas Public utrgv.edu
Purdue University Global
Master's
65 N/A West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdueglobal.edu
Park University
Bachelor's
Master's
64 N/A Parkville, Missouri Private park.edu
University of Illinois Springfield (UIS)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
63 SAT: 1010-1210
ACT: 21-28
Springfield, Illinois Public uis.edu
The University of Texas (UTSA)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
63 SAT: 1000-1200
ACT: 19-26
San Antonio, Texas Public utsa.edu
Binghamton University
Master's
Post-Master's
62 SAT: 1320-1490
ACT: 29-34
Vestal, New York Public binghamton.edu
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Master's
62 SAT: 1290-1450
ACT: 28-32
Provo, Utah Private byu.edu
George Washington University (GW)
Master's
60 SAT: 1350-1500
ACT: 31-34
Washington, District of Columbia Private gwu.edu
The University of Texas
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
60 SAT: 1170-1410
ACT: 25-32
Richardson, Texas Public utdallas.edu
Franklin University
Bachelor's
Master's
58 N/A Columbus, Ohio Private franklin.edu
Tarleton State University (TSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
58 SAT: 960-1150
ACT: 19-24
Stephenville, Texas Public tarleton.edu
California State University (CSUF)
Bachelor's
Master's
57 N/A Fullerton, California Public fullerton.edu
University of Utah (U of U)
Master's
57 SAT: 1180-1398
ACT: 22-29
Salt Lake City, Utah Public utah.edu
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU Metro)
Master's
Post-Master's
55 N/A Teaneck, New Jersey Private fdu.edu
North Carolina Central University (NCCU)
Master's
55 SAT: 980-1100
ACT: 17-18
Durham, North Carolina Public nccu.edu
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
55 SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 29-33
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Public pitt.edu
James Madison University (JMU)
Bachelor's
Master's
55 SAT: 1170-1320
ACT: 25-29
Harrisonburg, Virginia Public jmu.edu
University of Connecticut (UConn)
Master's
52 SAT: 1210-1420
ACT: 29-33
Storrs, Connecticut Public uconn.edu
Marist College
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52 SAT: 1220-1360
ACT: 27-30
Poughkeepsie, New York Private marist.edu
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master's
52 SAT: 1370-1530
ACT: 30-34
Chapel Hill, North Carolina Public unc.edu
Auburn University (AU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
51 SAT: 1240-1380
ACT: 25-31
Auburn, Alabama Public auburn.edu
Missouri State University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51 SAT: 990-1220
ACT: 19-25
Springfield, Missouri Public missouristate.edu
University of Rhode Island (URI)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51 SAT: 1030-1270
ACT: 26-31
Kingston, Rhode Island Public web.uri.edu
University of Arizona
Bachelor's
Master's
50 SAT: 1160-1420
ACT: 21-30
Tucson, Arizona Public arizona.edu
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
50 SAT: 940-1190
ACT: 21-28
Allendale, Michigan Public gvsu.edu
University of Nebraska (UNO)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
50 ACT: 18-26 Omaha, Nebraska Public unomaha.edu
Villanova University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
50 SAT: 1400-1510
ACT: 32-34
Villanova, Pennsylvania Private villanova.edu
Suffolk University
Master's
48 SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 24-32
Boston, Massachusetts Private suffolk.edu
Central Michigan University (CMU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
48 SAT: 960-1210
ACT: 21-27
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Public cmich.edu
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
48 SAT: 1100-1270
ACT: 24-28
West Chester, Pennsylvania Public wcupa.edu
Southern Utah University (SUU)
Master's
46 N/A Cedar City, Utah Public suu.edu
California Baptist University (CBU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45 N/A Riverside, California Private calbaptist.edu
California State University (CSUB)
Bachelor's
Master's
45 N/A Bakersfield, California Public csub.edu
Clark University
Bachelor's
Master's
45 SAT: 1240-1400
ACT: 30-33
Worcester, Massachusetts Private clarku.edu
North Carolina State University (NC State)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45 SAT: 1300-1460
ACT: 28-32
Raleigh, North Carolina Public ncsu.edu
Capella University
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private capella.edu
California State University (CSUEB)
Master's
44 N/A Hayward, California Public csueastbay.edu
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
44 SAT: 1240-1420
ACT: 27-32
Blacksburg, Virginia Public vt.edu
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
43 N/A Flagstaff, Arizona Public nau.edu
Clemson University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
42 SAT: 1230-1390
ACT: 28-32
Clemson, South Carolina Public clemson.edu
Lipscomb University
Bachelor's
Master's
42 SAT: 1145-1350
ACT: 22-29
Nashville, Tennessee Private lipscomb.edu
Texas Southern University (TSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
42 SAT: 800-1000
ACT: 15-19
Houston, Texas Public tsu.edu
Old Dominion University (ODU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42 SAT: 1110-1290
ACT: 22-27
Norfolk, Virginia Public odu.edu
University of La Verne
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
41 SAT: 970-1303
ACT: 18-25
La Verne, California Private laverne.edu
Wichita State University (WSU)
Master's
Post-Master's
41 SAT: 970-1250
ACT: 18-26
Wichita, Kansas Public wichita.edu
Kean University
Bachelor's
Master's
41 SAT: 1020-1198 Union, New Jersey Public kean.edu
Troy University (TROY)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
40 SAT: 950-1160
ACT: 18-25
Troy, Alabama Public troy.edu
Valdosta State University (VSU)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
40 SAT: 950-1130
ACT: 17-23
Valdosta, Georgia Public valdosta.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Public Administration programs

How much can I earn with a Public Administration degree?

Salaries for Public Administration 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 $164,454 compared to $79,820 in Arkansas. Approximately 4,876,060 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 Public Administration programs?

Currently 426 accredited institutions offer Public Administration degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (556 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (409 graduates), and Harvard University (263 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 Public Administration growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 14,539 in 2010 to a peak of 17,270 in 2020, before declining slightly to 13,898 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 Public Administration degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Chief Executives, Managers, All Other, and General and Operations Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 4,876,060 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.

Related Public Services Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Public Services field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.

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