Public Administration
Master's degree · American University · Washington, DC
$78,068Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$107,866Median earnings 4 years after
$113,922Median earnings 5 years after
$55,000Median federal debt
220Graduates per year
How this program compares
Graduates of the master's degree program in Public Administration at American University earn a median of $78,068 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $81,408 four years after graduating (middle half: $60,052–$109,056). Median debt is $55,000, about 70% of first-year earnings.
Public Administration (Master's degree) at other District of Columbia schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington University Washington | $78,177 | $46,979 |
| University of the District of Columbia Washington | $73,555 | — |
| Strayer University-Global Region Washington | $49,512 | $81,723 |
| Strayer University-District of Columbia Washington | $49,512 | $81,723 |
Other programs at American University
- Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's degree
$99,051 - Management Sciences and Quantitative MethodsMaster's degree
$94,453 - EconomicsMaster's degree
$86,903 - Finance and Financial Management ServicesBachelor's degree
$83,505 - Accounting and Related ServicesMaster's degree
$78,613 - LawFirst professional degree
$73,725 - Natural Resources Conservation and ResearchMaster's degree
$73,531 - Educational Administration and SupervisionMaster's degree
$71,635 - Homeland SecurityMaster's degree
$70,939 - International Relations and National Security StudiesMaster's degree
$69,872 - Communication and Media StudiesMaster's degree
$68,299 - Public Policy AnalysisMaster's degree
$67,929 - Legal Research and Advanced Professional StudiesMaster's degree
$65,919 - International and Comparative EducationMaster's degree
$65,008 - Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsMaster's degree
$63,886 - Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationMaster's degree
$63,727 - Peace Studies and Conflict ResolutionMaster's degree
$63,685 - Public HealthMaster's degree
$63,620 - Criminal Justice and CorrectionsMaster's degree
$62,067 - Political Science and GovernmentMaster's degree
$60,976
Frequently asked questions
How much do Public Administration graduates from American University make?
The median salary is $78,068 one year after graduation and $113,922 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $55,000.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.