Public Administration at Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
67
Optimistic
66
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,129/yr (48% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (528,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 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 $680K $662K $591K
Earnings Multiple 10.3x 10.1x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 49% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 66 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$65,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,968
-105% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,014
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Southern New Hampshire University Public Administration graduates command $73,129/yr out of the gate, well above the $49,353 national median. That 48% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 10.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,014 in median debt clears quickly against $73,129 in annual earnings.

A #19 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places Southern New Hampshire University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Southern New Hampshire University

A 96% acceptance rate means Southern New Hampshire University is accessible to most applicants, with 156,755 students enrolled in Manchester, NH. 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern New Hampshire 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

Public Administration at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at Southern New Hampshire University?
At 66/100, Southern New Hampshire 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 Southern New Hampshire 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 →