Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Carroll University

The $27,000 debt estimate for Carroll's health sciences bachelor's—based on what similar private universities report—lines up reasonably with both national and Wisconsin medians for this field. But here's where the numbers get complicated: comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, yet four years out, Carroll reports actual median earnings of $77,697. That's an unusually large jump, even for health-related fields where career progression matters.

This dramatic earnings growth hints that many graduates may be using this degree as a stepping stone—perhaps moving into specialized healthcare roles, pursuing additional certifications, or entering graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies. The broad "Health Sciences" label itself suggests a foundational program rather than direct professional preparation. The initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 looks manageable on paper, but that first-year salary of $35,000 could feel tight when loan payments begin, especially if your student needs additional schooling to reach those higher-paying positions.

The practical question becomes whether your family can weather potentially modest early earnings while your graduate builds toward better opportunities. If this bachelor's is indeed a foundation for further credentials, factor that additional time and cost into your calculations. If your student expects to enter the workforce directly after four years, probe deeply into what specific roles Carroll graduates typically pursue—that $77,697 figure four years out won't mean much if it depends on pathways your child isn't planning to take.