Human Services at Columbia College

Columbia College's Human Services associate degree commands significantly higher debt than typical programs—graduates carry $33,115 compared to a national median of $20,440—placing this program in the 95th percentile for debt load. That's a steep price for a degree where first-year earnings of $35,001 barely exceed the state median of $34,966, putting this in the middle of the pack among Missouri's four programs. Saint Louis Community College graduates earn virtually the same amount but likely accumulate far less debt.

The trajectory presents additional concerns. Earnings slip to $33,813 by year four, a 3% decline that suggests this degree may not open doors to career advancement. When debt nearly equals your first-year salary (0.95 ratio), you're facing challenging repayment mathematics, especially in a field serving populations that typically don't pay premium salaries. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, this debt burden could prove particularly difficult for lower-income graduates entering social services work.

For families shopping associate degrees in Missouri, this is a questionable value when community college alternatives offer comparable earnings without the private college price tag. Unless Columbia College provides specific career connections or support services worth the premium, less expensive in-state options deserve serious consideration first.