Analysis
Chestnut Hill College's Human Services program charges premium debt ($43,125) but delivers top-tier earnings that may justify the investment. Graduates earn $40,336 in their first year—outperforming 76% of similar programs nationally and 60% within Pennsylvania. More importantly, while most human services programs in PA cluster around $35,000, Chestnut Hill graduates start $5,000 higher and reach $44,644 by year four, an 11% increase that suggests meaningful career progression.
The debt burden sits just above Pennsylvania's state median for this field ($42,463) but below the national median ($31,573), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.07. This means graduates owe roughly one year's salary—manageable territory for a helping profession, especially given that 47% of students receive Pell grants. For context, the top-earning program in the state (Pennsylvania College of Technology) produces graduates earning $4,500 less annually than Chestnut Hill.
For families drawn to social services work, this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than nearly any alternative in Pennsylvania. The debt is real but proportional to earnings that actually allow graduates to both serve their communities and service their loans. If your child is committed to human services, they're unlikely to find better earning potential at other Pennsylvania schools.
Where Chestnut Hill College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Chestnut Hill College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut Hill College | $40,336 | $44,644 | +11% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| Fitchburg State University | $45,641 | $48,365 | +6% |
| Lincoln University | $34,374 | $42,919 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (11 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chestnut Hill CollegePhiladelphia | $39,410 | $40,336 | $44,644 | $43,125 | 1.07 |
 Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport | $17,940 | $35,787 | — | $42,463 | 1.19 |
 Lincoln UniversityLincoln University | $12,512 | $34,374 | $42,919 | $37,500 | 1.09 |
 Lancaster Bible CollegeLancaster | $29,990 | $33,664 | — | $48,590 | 1.44 |
| National Median | — | $36,630 | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
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 Chestnut Hill College, approximately 47% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.