Human Resources Management and Services at Bryant & Stratton College-Online

An HR associate's degree doesn't typically set graduates up for long-term income growth, and this online program demonstrates why. Earnings actually drop from $39,428 to $36,901 between years one and four—a troubling pattern that suggests graduates may struggle to advance beyond entry-level positions. The debt load of $27,901 is manageable by itself, but it becomes problematic when paired with declining wages rather than rising ones.

The state context reveals an interesting split. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile among New York HR associate's programs, that's partly because the bar is low—all the Bryant & Stratton campuses in the state report identical earnings figures, suggesting limited variation in outcomes across this system. Nationally, though, this program sits at just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar HR programs elsewhere produce better results. The 75% Pell grant rate indicates most students here need financial aid, making that backward earnings trajectory particularly concerning.

For families considering this path, the math is straightforward but uninspiring: your child will likely start earning around $39,000 and see that number decline, not grow, over the next few years. If they're set on HR, exploring programs with demonstrated earnings growth—or considering whether an associate's degree is sufficient for career advancement in this field—would be worthwhile. This isn't a financial disaster, but it's hard to call it a solid investment when graduates are making less four years out than they did at graduation.