The Strategic Value of a Glenn College MPA

Learn more about our MPA.

Choosing a graduate program is more than an academic step, it’s a major life milestone that balances the search for personal meaning with the need for professional stability. At the Glenn College, we recognize that you are in search of a clear path to becoming the leader your community needs. We provide transparent, evidence-based data so you can feel confident that this investment will move you toward the future you envision.  

Learn more about our MPA.

Proven Impact on Your Earning Power

A degree’s true value isn’t just a starting salary, it’s the casual return – the actual boost in your earning power compared to the career path you were on before enrolling.  

  • A 21% Earnings Increase: On average, an MPA program raises a student’s income by 21% of over their outside option. 
  • Efficiency Toward Momentum: Many graduate degrees see their value shrink once you subtract tuition and lost wages. Because the MPA is designed for efficiency and flexibility, its cost-adjusted return is 26%. This means your lifetime financial gain actually exceeds the initial salary jump once all costs are considered.  

Degree Program and Cost-Adjusted Lifetime Return

Research from the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research Center shows that while technical or business degrees often report high raw salaries, the MPA frequently offers a more efficient relative jump in lifetime earning power.

Source: Altonji and Zhu (2025). Data reflects the percentage increase in total lifetime income after accounting for all costs of attendance. 

Master of Public Administration (MPA): 26%
Master of Business Administration (MBA): 13%
Civil Engineering: 19%
Computer Engineering: 2%

Where Purpose Meets Practice

Our students don’t just study policy. They solve problems that matter. Whether you are a career changer seeking a significant jump from a lower-paying field or a public service professional aiming to close the pay gap, the MPA serves as a strategic tool to build your influence and expand your impact.