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Public Administration at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,136/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #36 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	$564K	$557K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.2x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.4x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	49%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	58	57	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,504

Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,840

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,202

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,287

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $39,136/yr fall 21% below the $49,353 national median for Public Administration. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,202 against $39,136/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #36 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places University of Arizona in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $39,136 to $57,287 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Arizona

University of Arizona has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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

Other Majors at University of Arizona

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at University of Arizona?

At 57/100, 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 University of Arizona?

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 University of Arizona a good choice for Public Administration despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Arizona'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 →