Human Services at California Baptist University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 suggests this program falls within manageable territory, though both figures come from peer programs nationally rather than CBU's actual graduates. Similar human services bachelor's programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $36,630 with median debt of $32,524—numbers that translate to monthly loan payments of roughly $370 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming about 12% of take-home pay.

The estimated earnings here trail slightly behind California's median of $38,528 for this field, which matters in a state where living costs run high. Comparable programs at CSU Monterey Bay and University of Phoenix-California show graduates earning $37,500-$39,500, suggesting the statewide benchmark may be more realistic for California-based employment. That $2,000-3,000 gap could feel significant when navigating Riverside's rental market or student loan obligations.

For families evaluating CBU specifically, the challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates—meaning you don't have visibility into how this particular program's graduates actually fare. With 41% of students receiving Pell grants, financial outcomes matter deeply here. Before committing, press the school for graduate employment data, salary ranges for recent alumni, and connections to local social services agencies. The field itself is viable, but you need clearer evidence that this specific program delivers on California's higher earning potential.