GSPP Graduate Salary and Debt Averages

[Stan E.]

From the Associate Director, Martha Chavez at GSPP:

In terms of salary information, at this time, I have general information because not all students report their salary information. Over the last few years, public and non-profit salaries range between $50,000 to $80,000 (with private sector salaries being higher and there are definitely people who do make more). Candidly, it will depend on many factors (i.e., your own experience, academic background, skillset, location of the organization, how well you negotiate your potential salary, etc.)

In terms of student loan debt, in 2007, I conducted a survey of students (50% response rate ~ half the class (about 40 students) since the survey was optional), and found that their average loan debt was about $25,000. However, it is really going to vary by student. There are ways to minimize your educational and housing costs. For example, there are numerous living options right around the Berkeley campus, which are much more affordable then let's say if you live in the City of San Francisco. Also, most students minimize their loans by taking on the GSI, Reader, Tutor or Researcher positions. Finally, if you are an out-of-state student, you can apply for California Residency, which will decrease your tuition costs significantly in the 2nd year of the MPP.

Also of interest:

The Fall 2010 course schedule is available for viewing now and can be found at http://gspp.berkeley.edu/courses/docs/Fall%202010%20Courses.pdf -- You'll want to look at the graduate electives starting on page 3 and following that list are the core classes. The schedule is always subject to change, but for the most part, the core classes and electives class dates/times are listed there.

In terms of syllabi, we have some of last year's course syllabi. The faculty submit new and revised versions closer to the start of the school year. If you want to see specific syllabi, please let me know what courses you are interested in, and I can check if we have them available for prior years.

Who's enrolling at GSPP for certain and who is going to be at the open house?

- Stanley

[fallmpp2010]

hey stan,

i am about 70% sure i'll be at gspp in the fall and will be at the open house next week!

thanks for the information below. the salary info seems standard as far as a MPP degree goes, but the average debt is much lower than other schools coming out...def a big plus factor.

see you on wednesday!

[mulberry]

Thanks for the info, Stan! I'll be at the open house. I'm 90% sure I'll go to GSPP and I'm hoping the open house confirms that. I'm surprised at how little debt is. Definitely good news!