Human Services at Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global charges significantly more than typical human services programs—graduates carry debt 40% above the national median—yet their earnings trajectory moves backward. First-year graduates earn a respectable $43,336, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally, but by year four that drops to $40,075. That's unusual for any bachelor's program and particularly concerning given the $44,111 debt load, which creates a debt-to-earnings ratio essentially at parity (1.02).

The state context reveals why this matters: Colorado State Global ranks at just the 60th percentile among Colorado programs despite its premium price tag. Metropolitan State University of Denver's graduates earn nearly identical amounts ($41,938) but likely with less debt. When you're paying substantially more than national norms for a field where earnings typically hover in the $36-40k range, you need strong career momentum to justify the investment—and that's not materializing here.

For parents, the math is straightforward: this program delivers strong initial placement but at a cost that overshadows the advantage. Human services is mission-driven work with modest pay ceilings, making aggressive debt loads particularly risky. Unless your student has specific reasons to choose this institution—perhaps transfer credits or flexible online scheduling—you're likely better served by a more affordable in-state option that delivers similar outcomes without the premium price tag.