Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Friends University

A $27,000 debt load heading into a field where comparable bachelor's programs typically yield $35,000 in first-year earnings puts graduates roughly in line with national outcomes for health sciences degrees—but that alignment masks some practical challenges. Peer programs across the country show similar debt-to-earnings patterns, suggesting this is less about Friends University specifically and more about the broader economics of generalist health sciences credentials. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing about nine months of their first year's salary, which is manageable but leaves little cushion during the critical early repayment period.

What complicates the picture is Kansas's limited market for these degrees. With only three programs statewide and Wichita State's graduates earning $36,010 from actual reported data, Friends appears positioned near the state average—but that average itself isn't particularly strong. The health sciences umbrella is notoriously broad, encompassing everything from health administration to community health roles, and first-year earnings can vary dramatically depending on which specific career path graduates pursue. At these income levels, loan payments will be noticeable in a monthly budget.

For families considering this investment, the key question is career specificity. If your student has a clear path to a licensed or specialized health role (like health informatics or healthcare management), the degree can serve as a foundation. If the plan is more exploratory, that $27,000 becomes a significant commitment for what amounts to a generalist credential in a field where certifications and experience often matter as much as the degree itself.