Human Resources Management and Services at Brigham Young University

BYU's HR management program stands out nationally, placing in the 95th percentile with first-year earnings of $59,842—nearly $10,000 above the national median. While the debt figure of $30,016 is estimated from similar institutions (actual graduate numbers were too small to report publicly), it produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with half their first year's salary.

The program's positioning within Utah is more competitive. At $59,842, it performs solidly but sits at the 60th percentile statewide, essentially matching Weber State's reported outcomes. The estimated debt is higher than Utah's typical $17,118 for HR programs, though this may reflect BYU's private status rather than this program specifically. What's encouraging is the 20% earnings growth to $71,748 by year four, suggesting these graduates advance well beyond entry-level positions.

For parents, the national strength is undeniable—this program outperforms most HR bachelor's degrees across the country. The debt estimate adds uncertainty, but even if the actual figure runs higher, the strong starting salary provides meaningful cushion. The real question is whether the premium over comparable Utah programs justifies any additional borrowing, particularly when Weber State produces similar first-year outcomes at potentially lower cost.