Public Policyat Indiana University-Bloomington
Graduates earn $47,013/yr in their first year — about 5.0% below the national Public Policy average. Base-case 10-year earnings $662K; scenarios range from $591K to $680K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Indiana University
Indiana University's O'Neill School offers a highly respected Public Administration program, known for its rigorous curriculum and faculty expertise. While initial earnings might appear modest compared to some national averages, this often reflects the nature of public sector and non-profit careers, which prioritize public service and policy impact over immediate high salaries. Many graduates find rewarding roles in state and local government agencies across Indiana and the broader Midwest, as well as with national non-profits or federal roles in D.C. The school's strong reputation positions you for significant upward mobility, leading to leadership positions in policy analysis, program management, or eventually executive roles. Focus on leveraging the O'Neill School's robust alumni network and diverse internship opportunities to align your early career path with your long-term vision for making a tangible difference.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Indiana University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Public Policy
How Indiana University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Indiana University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Indiana University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Public Policy offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Public Policy trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Public Policy at Indiana University
What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy at Indiana University-Bloomington?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy at Indiana University-Bloomington?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Indiana University-Bloomington one of the best schools for Public Policy?
Among 45 Public Policy programs, Indiana University-Bloomington's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.