Human Services at Arkansas Baptist College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 suggests this bachelor's program would require nearly a full year's salary to pay off, which falls into manageable territory—though comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings of just $36,630, putting graduates well below the $50,000-plus range many families expect from a four-year degree. Human services careers often prioritize mission over money, but starting at roughly $3,000 monthly before taxes means tight budgets during those crucial early repayment years when interest accrues fastest.

The bigger uncertainty here is that Arkansas Baptist College is the only institution in the state offering a bachelor's in human services with available data, leaving no in-state peers for comparison. The estimated $32,524 in debt aligns closely with national medians for this field, but without reported outcomes from this specific program or similar Arkansas schools, families are essentially betting on whether ABC's particular approach—serving a student body where 46% receive Pell grants—translates to the employment outcomes seen at programs elsewhere in the country.

For families considering this path, the key question is whether human services work aligns with accepting below-average starting pay for meaningful work. If your student is passionate about social services and plans to pursue loan forgiveness programs common in nonprofit sectors, this estimated debt load is workable. But if they're uncertain about the field or need higher earnings quickly, comparable programs nationally don't suggest this major delivers strong financial returns in year one.