Human Services at Anna Maria College

Massachusetts human services programs cluster tightly in the mid-$40,000s for first-year earnings, and this program appears positioned right at that state median based on comparable bachelor's programs in the area. The estimated $29,935 in debt produces a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. While these figures come from peer programs rather than Anna Maria's specific outcomes, they align with what larger Massachusetts schools like Northeastern and Fitchburg State actually report for their human services graduates.

The field itself deserves scrutiny. Human services careers—whether in community outreach, case management, or social support roles—are meaningful but notoriously modest-paying work. The national median of $36,630 confirms this isn't a high-earning degree, though Massachusetts professionals do better than most states. With 34% of Anna Maria students on Pell grants, many families here are banking on this credential lifting them into stable middle-class work, and at estimated starting pay around $45,000, that's plausible if debt stays near current levels.

For families weighing this investment: the estimated numbers suggest reasonable, not exceptional, value. If your student is passionate about direct service work and the debt estimate holds true, this could work financially. But recognize you're choosing a helping profession with inherent salary ceilings—advancement often requires a master's degree, adding more time and cost to reach higher earnings.