Human Resources Management and Services at College of Southern Nevada

A debt load around $16,000 based on comparable associate programs creates a manageable starting point, especially when first-year earnings from similar HR programs hit $40,000. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could realistically pay down student loans while covering living expenses in Las Vegas—though it's worth noting these figures come from national peer programs rather than tracked outcomes from this specific school.

The trajectory here deserves attention: while similar programs show first-year earnings at $40,000, this program's actual four-year figure sits at $38,490. That backward slide is unusual and could reflect several dynamics in Nevada's HR market—perhaps early graduates move into positions with better benefits but lower base salaries, or the local market caps earnings for associate-level HR work. Either way, it complicates the typical "earnings grow with experience" assumption that makes educational debt easier to justify.

For families weighing this investment, the math works if your child can secure that $40,000 starting salary and lives modestly while paying down debt quickly. The risk is that four-year reality of $38,490, which would make even this moderate debt feel heavier. If HR is the goal, compare this carefully against what bachelor's programs in the field offer—and be prepared for a market where advancement may require additional credentials or a geographic move.