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Public Administration at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,491/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #27 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	$513K	$511K	$478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.2x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.5x	5.5x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	49%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	62	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,800

Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,752

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,141

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,103

12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $46,491/yr, Public Administration graduates from Texas State University land near the $49,353 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.2x 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.

At $24,141 against $46,491/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #27 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places Texas State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $46,491 to $52,103 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Texas State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 34,547 in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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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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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at Texas State University?

At 62/100, 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 Texas 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.

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