Human Resources Management and Services at Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite's HR program produces graduates earning $60,136 their first year—nearly $10,000 above the national median and roughly $5,000 more than Virginia's typical HR graduate. While that places them in the 95th percentile nationally, context matters: Virginia's HR programs already run strong, with even the state median at $55,123. Among the seven Virginia schools offering this degree, EMU lands solidly in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile.

The financial picture looks straightforward. At $18,555 in median debt—well below both national and state averages—graduates face manageable monthly payments even on entry-level HR salaries. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means most students could feasibly pay off loans within three years if they prioritized it.

The significant caveat: fewer than 30 students were tracked for this data, so your child's experience could vary considerably. EMU's open admission policy suggests they work with a range of academic profiles, which might explain some outcome variability. Still, the combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates reasonable financial breathing room for new graduates entering the workforce. For families prioritizing affordability and a faith-based environment, the numbers support considering this program—just recognize you're looking at a limited snapshot.