With this MPA Career Report, we showcase Cornell University’s respected Master of Public Administration, our high-achieving community of alumni, and in turn, invite you to explore how exactly you define career success.
We also answer questions, such as:
At the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, we ask you to think critically about your career goals and then enable
you to design a curriculum that allows you to build the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your desired career.
Allow us to showcase just a few of the public service careers that are available to graduates of a Master of Public Administration degree.
On average, those with a Master of Public Administration can expect an average salary of $68,000. In addition to the vital training and specific subject knowledge that an MPA provides, those with a master’s degree can expect to earn approximately $18,000 more per year over those with a bachelor’s alone.
The salary, of course, varies greatly based on work experience, the sector of employment, company size, and the potential for raises, bonuses, and promotions. For example, within both the public and private sectors, salaries can range from $40K-$100K.
Our MPA program has served as a launchpad for many growth-filled careers in public affairs — fill out the form above to unlock Cornell University’s MPA Degree Career Report to explore our alum's diverse career paths.