Human Resources Management and Services at Beal University

An estimated $26,536 in debt represents roughly two-thirds of first-year earnings for HR associate's degree holders—a ratio that falls within manageable territory compared to many two-year programs. Peer programs nationwide suggest graduates enter the workforce around $40,000 annually, which should allow for steady debt repayment over time. With 64% of Beal students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who may be seeking practical career credentials without the cost of a bachelor's degree.

The challenge here is limited visibility. Because both earnings and debt figures are drawn from national benchmarks rather than Beal's actual outcomes, there's no way to know whether this school's graduates perform better or worse than typical HR programs elsewhere. Maine has only one other associate's program in this field, and neither reports enough data to establish local patterns. This means you're essentially betting on the national average—a reasonable but uncertain prospect.

For families weighing this investment, the math suggests workable debt if employment materializes quickly. HR roles exist across industries, which provides some flexibility, but the lack of program-specific outcomes means you won't know until after enrollment whether Beal's curriculum and employer connections deliver on that promise. If your student can secure similar training elsewhere with transparent outcomes data, that additional information could prove valuable.