Analysis
A bachelor's in human services typically positions graduates to work in social services, community organizations, or nonprofit management—fields known more for impact than income. Based on comparable Florida programs, first-year earnings around $36,200 align closely with both state and national medians for this degree, suggesting Beacon's graduates would likely enter the workforce at competitive starting salaries. The estimated debt of $32,500 sits just above the national median for human services programs, though it's notably higher than the Florida state median of about $29,400.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90 means nearly a full year's salary would be needed to cover what graduates typically borrow. For a helping profession where salary growth can be gradual and career advancement often requires additional credentials, this creates a tighter financial picture than some other bachelor's degrees. Several Florida programs—including Rasmussen and Florida State College at Jacksonville—produce notably higher starting earnings with similar or lower debt loads, worth investigating for families comparison shopping.
If your child is committed to human services work, this estimated debt level is manageable but leaves little margin for error. The field rewards dedication more than it does financially, so entering with debt approaching annual salary means budgeting carefully during those early career years when living independently and potentially pursuing a master's degree.
Where Beacon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (10 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,230 | $36,210* | — | $32,524* | — | |
| $15,117 | $40,125* | — | $46,312* | 1.15 | |
| $2,878 | $39,173* | — | $30,726* | 0.78 | |
| $28,360 | $36,312* | $32,781 | $50,406* | 1.39 | |
| $2,764 | $36,107* | $33,802 | $13,583* | 0.38 | |
| $6,410 | $33,351* | $41,105 | $28,156* | 0.84 | |
| National Median | — | $36,630* | — | $31,573* | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Beacon College, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.