Human Resources Management and Services at Ashford University

Ashford graduates start with earnings slightly above both national and California medians for HR programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but carry debt nearly double the typical burden. With $41,117 in loans against first-year earnings of $51,118, these graduates face a debt load in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning only 5% of HR programs saddle students with more debt.

The bigger concern is stagnation: earnings actually slip to $50,031 by year four rather than growing. While this pattern isn't catastrophic—graduates still earn reasonably well by California standards—it means the debt burden doesn't get easier to manage over time. Compare this to University of Massachusetts Global's HR grads earning $65,673, or even CSU Long Beach's $46,453 with presumably far lower debt as a public institution.

For a family weighing this investment, the math works but isn't generous. Graduates can manage these loan payments, but they'll feel them for years without the earnings trajectory that typically justifies private-school debt. If your child has lower-debt alternatives—particularly California State University campuses—those would deliver similar HR career outcomes with significantly less financial strain. Ashford's HR program is functional, not exceptional.