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Public Administration at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,020/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #28 of 45 Public Administration programs

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	$512K	$510K	$477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.4x	15.4x	14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.3x	6.3x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	49%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	62	61	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,999

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,842

24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,020 place San Diego State University below the $49,353 national median for Public Administration — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $41,020 far exceeding the $14,999 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #28 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places San Diego State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 24% earnings increase from $41,020 to $50,842 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at San Diego State University?

At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Public Administration is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Administration at San Diego State 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.

Is San Diego State University a good choice for Public Administration despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If San Diego State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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