Public Administration

Master's degree · Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, VA

CIP 44.04

$53,777Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$76,945Median earnings 4 years after
$70,867Median earnings 5 years after
$26,604Median federal debt
34Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the master's degree program in Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $53,777 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 $26,604, about 49% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Public Administration (Master's degree) at other Virginia schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
George Mason University
Fairfax
$78,076$41,000
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg
$74,121—
Old Dominion University
Norfolk
$65,888$39,794
Liberty University
Lynchburg
$57,882$30,556
Regent University
Virginia Beach
$55,462—
Strayer University-Virginia
Arlington
$49,512$81,723
South University-Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
$45,666$52,542

Highest-paying Public Administration programs nationwide →

Other programs at Virginia Commonwealth University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Public Administration graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University make?

The median salary is $53,777 one year after graduation and $70,867 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $26,604.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.