Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Clarks Summit University

Based on comparable mental health programs in Pennsylvania, graduates typically earn around $41,500 in their first year—right at the state median and slightly above the national average for this field. The estimated $33,375 in debt is more concerning, running about $6,000 higher than the national median and putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.80. That means roughly 10 months of gross pay would go toward the debt, before taxes and living expenses.

The broader Pennsylvania landscape for these programs shows significant variation. While University of Pennsylvania's program produces dramatically higher earnings, peer schools like Drexal and Alvernia cluster around the same $41,000-$42,000 range suggested by these estimates. This suggests the field itself may have limited earning potential early on, regardless of where you study. Mental health and social services careers often start modestly but can grow as professionals gain licensure and specialization.

The real question is whether taking on above-average debt makes sense for a field with constrained entry-level earnings. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, and that debt load could be particularly burdensome for those without family financial support. If your child is committed to this career path, exploring whether similar programs at lower-cost institutions might offer better value would be worthwhile given the field's standardized earning patterns.