Analysis
A $44,418 debt load for a Human Services degree stands out immediately—it's $13,000 above what graduates typically carry nationally and matches the highest debt burden among Indiana's Human Services programs. While the estimated first-year earnings of $37,366 align with what similar programs in Indiana produce, the debt picture tells a different story about affordability. You're financing this degree at nearly 120% of first-year income, and in a field where earnings grow modestly over time, that initial burden matters.
The comparison to other Indiana options is instructive. Indiana Institute of Technology's Human Services graduates earn an estimated $40,180—about $2,800 more annually—while programs like Purdue Global come in around $36,000. Bethel's open admission and modest test scores (1073 SAT average) suggest it serves students who may have fewer alternatives, but the debt premium they're paying doesn't come with a corresponding earnings advantage. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on this debt with limited financial cushion.
For families considering this program, the question isn't whether Human Services is a worthwhile field—it clearly serves an important social function. The question is whether borrowing $44,000 for estimated earnings in the mid-$30,000s makes financial sense when comparable Indiana programs produce similar outcomes at lower cost. Unless your student has compelling non-financial reasons to attend Bethel specifically, exploring programs with reported debt below $35,000 would reduce financial pressure during those critical early career years.
Where Bethel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bethel UniversityMishawaka | $33,320 | $37,366* | — | $44,418 | — |
 Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne | $30,446 | $40,180* | $36,707 | $47,683 | 1.19 |
 Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional StudiesFort Wayne | $9,900 | $40,180* | $36,707 | $47,683 | 1.19 |
 Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion | $31,168 | $37,366* | $30,203 | $40,228 | 1.08 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion | $8,216 | $37,366* | $30,203 | $40,228 | 1.08 |
 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette | $10,110 | $36,020* | $37,570 | $57,500 | 1.60 |
| 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 Bethel University, approximately 35% 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 5 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.