Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Erskine College

A $27,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $35,000 sounds manageable on paper—peer programs nationally suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio near 0.77. But context matters: health sciences bachelor's degrees at other South Carolina schools typically produce lower debt ($21,500 median statewide) while graduates earn anywhere from $26,681 to $36,654 depending on the institution. Without actual reported outcomes for Erskine's specific program, it's difficult to know whether graduates here are landing the higher-paying clinical roles that justify the debt or struggling in lower-tier administrative positions.

The broader challenge with health sciences degrees is their range: some lead directly to clinical certifications that command decent salaries, while others function as pre-professional stepping stones toward graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies. If your child plans to continue their education immediately, that $27,000 becomes the foundation of a much larger debt total. If they're entering the workforce directly, comparable programs suggest they'll earn just enough to manage loan payments—but without room for error if those early job prospects disappoint.

Given Erskine's 40% Pell-eligible population, many families here are stretching financially. The estimated figures place this program in the middle of the pack nationally but above typical South Carolina debt loads. Before committing, confirm exactly what credentials and career pathways this degree opens—and whether those align with your child's next step.