Human Resources Management and Services at Bethel University

Bethel University's HR program reports graduates earning $76,000 straight out of college—a figure that towers over Minnesota's state median of $52,667 and ranks in the 80th percentile among Minnesota programs. That's roughly $11,000 more than the next-highest program in the state and 51% above the national median. Combined with manageable debt of $29,919 (resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39), the numbers look remarkably strong on paper.

However, the sample size here is small—fewer than 30 graduates—which means these figures could reflect a handful of exceptional outcomes rather than consistent program performance. The flat earnings trajectory (virtually no growth from year one to year four) also suggests graduates may hit their ceiling quickly, though they're starting from a notably high baseline. The school's 91% admission rate and modest test scores indicate this isn't a highly selective institution, which makes the earnings premium even more surprising.

For parents willing to accept the uncertainty that comes with limited data, this program shows a compelling debt-to-earnings picture that outperforms most alternatives in Minnesota. Just recognize you're making a decision with less statistical confidence than you'd have at larger programs—a few years of different graduate outcomes could shift these numbers significantly.