Human Resources Management and Services at Dawson Community College

A 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment for this certificate program, though both figures come from national peer programs rather than Dawson's actual graduate outcomes. Based on comparable certificate programs across the country, students typically complete this HR credential with roughly $21,500 in debt and earn around $46,300 in their first year—meaning about half a year's salary would go toward debt if payments were aggressive.

The estimated debt here runs slightly higher than the national median of $18,000 for similar programs, which matters for a certificate that's meant to be a quick workforce entry point. In Montana's small job market, HR roles may be more limited than in metropolitan areas, and without reported data from the three schools offering this program in-state, it's difficult to gauge whether local employers value this credential enough to justify the investment. The 27% Pell grant rate suggests Dawson serves students who may be particularly debt-sensitive.

For families weighing this option, the practical question is whether an undergraduate certificate provides enough credential differentiation in HR—a field where many entry-level positions require only a bachelor's or associate degree, and where on-the-job experience often matters more than formal education. The estimated numbers suggest this wouldn't be crushing debt, but you'd want to confirm that Montana employers actually hire certificate holders into HR roles that pay in this range before committing.