Human Services at Community College of Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia's Human Services program starts graduates at just $24,893—well below both the Pennsylvania median ($26,558) and national average ($31,677), landing in the 13th percentile nationally. However, that initial struggle tells only part of the story. By year four, earnings jump to $40,698, a 64% increase that surpasses typical outcomes for this field and suggests real career mobility for graduates who stick with the sector.

The $18,242 in debt is manageable, translating to a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio and coming in below both state and national medians. For a student body where 53% receive Pell grants, this relatively low borrowing matters. The challenge is surviving those first few years on earnings that will barely cover basic expenses in Philadelphia. Families need to plan for this lean period—whether through additional financial support, part-time work, or living arrangements that minimize costs.

If your child is committed to human services work and needs an affordable entry point, this program delivers genuine career growth after a difficult start. But skip this if they need immediate earning power or lack the financial cushion to navigate those first couple of years.