Analysis
When you're looking at peer institutions nationally, Human Services bachelor's programs produce first-year earnings around $36,630—which lines up with what similar Dakota Wesleyan graduates likely experience. With estimated debt of $32,524, that's nearly a full year's starting salary, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 that mirrors the national pattern for this field. By year four, earnings climb to $41,779, suggesting steady but modest progression.
Human services careers are built around helping others, not accumulating wealth, and the numbers reflect that reality. The field values commitment and interpersonal skills over credential prestige, which means Dakota Wesleyan's program likely prepares students adequately for entry-level positions in social services, community organizations, or nonprofit work. However, these estimates are drawn from comparable programs nationally since the school's graduate pool is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes.
The financial picture is manageable but tight—you're looking at monthly loan payments that will consume a meaningful chunk of early-career paychecks. If your child is passionate about direct service work and understands the salary limitations, this path can be fulfilling. But if they're uncertain about the field or considering it as a fallback, the debt burden may feel heavier than expected given the modest earning potential.
Where Dakota Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Wesleyan University | — | $41,779 | — |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| Fitchburg State University | $45,641 | $48,365 | +6% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $42,839 | $48,162 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dakota Wesleyan UniversityMitchell | $32,890 | $36,630* | $41,779 | $32,524* | — |
 Goodwin UniversityEast Hartford | $21,198 | $51,659* | — | $35,166* | 0.68 |
 Simpson CollegeIndianola | $46,212 | $46,184* | — | —* | — |
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000* | 0.57 |
| Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000* | 0.57 |
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $45,751* | $48,069 | $31,000* | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $36,630* | — | $31,573* | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Dakota Wesleyan University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.