Earnings Overview
Public Administration graduates from University of California-San Diego (CA) have strong career outcomes according to federal data.
Data last updated: February 5, 2026
| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | School Median Earnings | $84,943 (all majors) | | Tuition (Out-of-State) | $46,042/year | | 4-Year Cost Estimate | $184,168 |
Note: Major-specific earnings at this school may differ from the school-wide median. Federal data tracks earnings 10 years after enrollment.
Why Study Public Administration at University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego's Public Administration program offers:
- Access to CA's job market and industry connections
- Faculty expertise in government fields
- Alumni network for career advancement
- Research and internship opportunities
Cost Analysis
Understanding your investment in a Public Administration degree at University of California-San Diego:
Tuition & Fees
- Out-of-State: $46,042/year
- In-State: Often 40-60% less for state residents
- Total 4-Year: $184,168 (before financial aid)
Financial Aid
Most students receive some form of aid. File your [FAFSA](/fafsa/ca) early for the best packages.[Calculate your net cost →](/tools/roi-calculator)
ROI Calculation
Is Public Administration at University of California-San Diego worth it? Consider:
- Expected earnings: Government careers typically offer competitive salaries
- Total cost: $184,168 out-of-pocket (varies with aid)
- Career growth: Public Administration opens doors in multiple industries
- Opportunity cost: 4 years of study vs. immediate workforce entry
Career Paths for Public Administration Graduates
Common careers for Public Administration graduates from University of California-San Diego include:
- Entry-level government positions
- CA regional employers and industries
- Graduate school and advanced degrees
- Entrepreneurship and consulting
Compare Public Administration Programs
How does University of California-San Diego compare to other schools for Public Administration?
- [See all Public Administration programs →](/major/public-administration)
- [Compare schools in CA →](/schools/ca)
- [Add University of California-San Diego to your list →](/dashboard)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for Public Administration at University of California-San Diego?
Federal data tracks median earnings at 10 years post-enrollment. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and individual performance.
Is University of California-San Diego a good school for Public Administration?
University of California-San Diego offers a Public Administration program with access to CA's job market. Compare outcomes with similar schools using our [comparison tool](/compare).
How much financial aid can I get at University of California-San Diego?
Aid packages vary by family income and merit. File your FAFSA early and check University of California-San Diego's net price calculator for estimates.
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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings represent median annual earnings 10 years after enrollment for students who received federal financial aid.