Analysis
Cecil College's associate degree in Human Resources Management comes with an estimated debt load of $16,261—notably lower than the $26,536 national median for similar programs. This lighter debt burden matters when similar programs typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could manage repayment while gaining workplace stability in HR roles that often offer benefits and career ladders.
The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than Cecil's actual graduate outcomes, so they reflect what's typical rather than what this specific program delivers. Maryland has few associate-level HR programs, making local comparisons impossible. What we do know is that community college HR credentials generally position graduates for entry-level coordinator or specialist roles—positions where practical skills and local employer relationships matter as much as the credential itself.
For families weighing this investment, the lighter estimated debt load is encouraging, but connect with Cecil's career services to understand their specific HR employer partnerships in the Baltimore-Philadelphia corridor. The real value will depend on whether the program delivers concrete job placements, not just whether the price point looks reasonable compared to similar programs elsewhere.
Where Cecil College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Resources Management and Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,370 | $40,006* | — | $16,261* | — | |
| — | $46,445* | — | $20,000* | 0.43 | |
| $15,117 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $12,715 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $10,899 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $13,546 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $40,006* | — | $26,536* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cecil College, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 23 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.