Human Services at Columbia College

Columbia College's human services program delivers above-average earnings for Missouri—graduates earn about $4,100 more than the typical Missouri program in this field, placing it in the 60th percentile statewide. The first-year median of $37,571 also beats the national benchmark by roughly $900. With 44% of students on Pell grants, the program appears to serve a significant population of students who need credentials that translate to immediate income, and it does deliver on that front initially.

The challenge is what happens next. Earnings actually slip slightly by year four rather than growing, and the debt load of nearly $40,000 is higher than both state and national norms for human services programs. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 1:1—manageable but tight, especially in a field where salaries don't typically see significant jumps. Human services careers often require additional credentials or experience for meaningful advancement, which may explain the flat earnings trajectory.

For families evaluating this program, it comes down to geography and career plans. If staying in Missouri, this program outperforms most in-state alternatives and provides a reasonable entry point into the field. The debt is higher than ideal but not prohibitive for someone committed to human services work. Just be realistic about salary expectations—this isn't a field where early earnings multiply quickly, so careful budgeting will matter from day one.