Best colleges for Public Administration in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, California State University-Northridge leads: its Public Administration graduates earn a median $85,789 four years after finishing, against the field's $65,093 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University-Northridge | $85,789 | +$20,696 |
| 2 | California Baptist University | $75,949 | +$10,856 |
| 3 | California State University-Fullerton | $68,497 | +$3,404 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Public Administration?
By graduate earnings, California State University-Northridge — its Public Administration bachelor's graduates earn a median $85,789 four years out, the highest of the 3 California programs in the federal file.
What do Public Administration graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $68,497 to $85,789. The field's national median is $65,093.
Is a Public Administration degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Public Administration graduates earn $16,733/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.