Public Administration, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Public Administration, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 47.4%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Public Administration, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $51591 and average student debt of $24464, the financial outlook for Public Administration, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Public Administration, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $51591, and with an average student debt of $24464, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.47—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 15867 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Public Administration, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Public Administration, Other (CIP 44.0499) is a governance and public service field focused on managing public programs, implementing policy, and leading organizations that serve communities at the local, state, national, and nonprofit levels. This classification includes flexible or specialized public administration programs that do not fit squarely into traditional public administration or public policy categories. It allows institutions to offer interdisciplinary, customized, or emerging approaches to public-sector leadership, management, and civic problem-solving.
For a degree search site, Public Administration, Other represents leadership, accountability, and real-world impact. Governments and nonprofits are responsible for delivering essential services—public safety, infrastructure, healthcare access, education, housing, and social programs. This degree appeals to students who want a mission-driven career shaping how public institutions work, how resources are allocated, and how communities are served rather than focusing on private-sector profit alone.
What Is a Public Administration Degree?
A Public Administration degree is an academic and applied program that prepares students to plan, manage, and evaluate public and nonprofit organizations. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize specialized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Local or municipal administration
- Nonprofit management and leadership
- Public sector budgeting and finance
- Policy implementation and program evaluation
- Public management in healthcare, education, or human services
- Community and economic development
Rather than focusing on politics or elections, this degree emphasizes:
- How public organizations operate day to day
- Leadership and management in complex systems
- Ethical governance and accountability
- Policy execution and service delivery
- Collaboration across agencies and sectors
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for administrative and leadership roles in public service
- Support workforce needs in government and nonprofit organizations
- Train managers who understand public-sector constraints and responsibilities
- Provide a foundation for graduate study such as an MPA or related fields
Public Administration, Other is especially useful for programs that blend management, policy, and community engagement.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how public organizations function within legal, political, and financial constraints. You’ll study how policies move from ideas to implementation, how budgets are created and managed, and how leaders make decisions that affect large populations. The curriculum emphasizes accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.
You’ll also learn how to work with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, community members, nonprofit partners, and private organizations.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Public sector management—leading teams and programs
- Policy implementation and analysis—turning laws into action
- Budgeting and financial oversight—managing public funds responsibly
- Program evaluation—measuring effectiveness and outcomes
- Ethical and legal decision-making—accountability in governance
- Strategic planning—long-term public impact
- Interagency and cross-sector collaboration—working across systems
- Professional communication—reports, briefings, and public engagement
These skills are critical for effective leadership in government and nonprofit organizations.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Foundations of Public Administration: roles and responsibilities
- Public Policy and Governance: decision-making frameworks
- Public Budgeting and Finance: revenue, spending, and oversight
- Human Resources in the Public Sector: workforce management
- Program Planning and Evaluation: assessing public initiatives
- Ethics and Accountability: transparency and public trust
- Nonprofit Management or Public–Nonprofit Partnerships: collaboration models
- Urban, Local, or Community Administration: place-based governance
- Capstone or Applied Project: real-world administrative challenges
Many programs incorporate internships with government agencies or nonprofit organizations.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Public Administration degree prepares students for administrative, managerial, and analytical roles across the public and nonprofit sectors. Career outcomes depend on experience, level of responsibility, and additional education.
Common career paths include:
- Public or City Administrator Assistant: municipal operations support
- Program or Policy Analyst: evaluating public initiatives
- Nonprofit Program Manager: organizational leadership
- Public Affairs or Government Relations Specialist: stakeholder engagement
- Grants or Compliance Administrator: funding oversight roles
- Community or Economic Development Coordinator: local initiatives
- Public Sector Human Resources Specialist: workforce management
- Graduate School Path: public administration, public policy, or law
Many leadership roles require experience or graduate-level credentials.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in organizations responsible for governance and service delivery:
- Local, state, and federal government agencies
- Municipal and regional planning offices
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Public education and healthcare systems
- Housing, transportation, and infrastructure agencies
- Policy institutes and research organizations
- Public–private partnership programs
Public administrators often serve as the link between policy and everyday operations.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by sector, level of government, and responsibility.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level public administration roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Program managers or policy analysts: commonly $55,000–$80,000
- Senior administrators or directors: can reach $85,000–$120,000+
Public-sector benefits, stability, and advancement pathways are often strong.
Is This Degree Hard?
Public Administration, Other is considered moderately challenging. While it is less technical than engineering or finance, it requires strong analytical thinking, writing, and ethical judgment. Students must understand complex systems, laws, and stakeholder interests.
The challenge lies in balancing efficiency, fairness, and accountability in public decision-making.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Want to work in government or nonprofit leadership
- Are interested in policy, management, and public service
- Enjoy organizing programs and improving systems
- Value ethics, accountability, and community impact
- Want a flexible degree with broad career options
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a public administration program:
- Take government, civics, economics, and history courses
- Develop strong writing, analysis, and communication skills
- Learn about public policy, budgeting, and civic systems
- Participate in student government or leadership activities
- Volunteer with community or nonprofit organizations
Public Administration, Other (CIP 44.0499) is a strong degree choice for students who want to lead from within public systems. It provides the skills to manage programs, implement policy, and improve how institutions serve the public. For those motivated by civic responsibility, organizational leadership, and long-term community impact, this degree offers a practical and respected pathway into meaningful public service careers.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor