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Public Administration at National University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $77,077/yr (56% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (528,800 openings/yr)

ROI 12.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #14 of 45 Public Administration programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Administration graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$705K	$685K	$607K
Earnings Multiple	13.2x	12.8x	11.4x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	49%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	70	69	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$53,280

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$124,232

-133% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$29,181

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$85,093

10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,077 put National University's Public Administration program 56% above the national median of $49,353 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $77,077 far exceeding the $29,181 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #14 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places National University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About National University

with a mid-sized student body of 9,725 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at National University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Construction managers $106,980/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at National University?

At 69/100, National University's Public Administration program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Administration at National University?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →