Public Administration
Master's degree · Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL
How this program compares
Graduates of the master's degree program in Public Administration at Northern Illinois University earn a median of $62,849 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 $30,500, about 49% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.
Public Administration (Master's degree) at other Illinois schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $73,260 | $44,568 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $65,378 | $46,243 |
| University of Illinois Springfield Springfield | $61,014 | $31,525 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $59,815 | $41,000 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $51,703 | $33,859 |
| Aurora University Aurora | $42,605 | — |
Other programs at Northern Illinois University
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$60,274
Frequently asked questions
How much do Public Administration graduates from Northern Illinois University make?
The median salary is $62,849 one year after graduation and $79,318 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $30,500.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.