Human Services at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa

Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa's Human Services associate degree produces earnings right at the national median but trails other Wisconsin programs by about $1,100 annually. More concerning is the debt load: at $29,279, graduates carry nearly 43% more debt than the national median for this field, though it's actually close to Wisconsin's typical burden. The result is a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92—meaning graduates owe nearly a full year's salary.

The numbers get trickier when you consider Wisconsin's limited landscape for this degree. With only three schools offering it in-state, your child isn't spoiled for choice. Rasmussen University produces slightly better outcomes, but Bryant & Stratton serves a predominantly lower-income student body (57% receive Pell grants), which may explain both the higher debt levels and the program's focus on accessible pathways into human services work.

For families, the key question is whether $31,677 in starting salary can handle monthly loan payments around $300-350. That's tight but manageable with careful budgeting. If your child is passionate about human services and needs a local option, this program works—but watch that debt carefully and explore whether any credits transfer if they plan to pursue a bachelor's degree later, which could substantially improve their earning potential.