Human Services at Anderson University

Anderson University's Human Services program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground: graduates earn slightly above other South Carolina programs but take on substantially more debt than typical for the field. With first-year earnings of $34,478 against $42,953 in debt, graduates face a 1.25 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable in absolute terms, but challenging given that Human Services roles rarely command high salaries even with experience. The 4% earnings growth over four years suggests limited financial trajectory in this helping profession.

The state context matters here. While this program ranks in the 60th percentile among South Carolina's five Human Services programs, that's a narrow comparison pool. Nationally, it lands in just the 27th percentile, with graduates earning about $2,000 less than the national median. The debt load, however, exceeds the national median by over $11,000—a significant gap for a field where passion often matters more than paychecks.

Here's the bottom line for parents: if your child is drawn to social services work, understand they're choosing a career where financial returns will be modest regardless of school. The debt burden here—while not catastrophic—will stretch their budget more than necessary. Before committing, explore whether in-state public universities might offer this degree at a lower cost, potentially preserving the same career opportunities with less financial strain. Note that these figures come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary considerably.