Public Policyat National University
Graduates earn $77,077/yr in their first year — about 56.0% above the national Public Policy average. Base-case 10-year earnings $685K; scenarios range from $607K to $705K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at National University
National University's Public Administration program in San Diego often places graduates into high-impact, well-compensated leadership roles, reflecting the strong demand in the region. San Diego's robust public sector, including its significant military presence, numerous federal and state agencies, and a thriving non-profit community, creates abundant opportunities for skilled administrators. Many students are often mid-career professionals leveraging the program to formalize their management expertise and advance into executive positions across government, non-profits, or even private firms interfacing with public policy. The curriculum likely emphasizes practical, immediately applicable leadership and strategic skills valued by these employers. Given the high AI risk in some administrative functions, your focus should be on developing irreplaceable human-centric skills like complex problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal leadership to future-proof your career.
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 National 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 National University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at National University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at National 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 National University
What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy at National University?
At 69/100, National University's Public Policy program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy 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.