Analysis
Taking on $43,125 in debt—based on what similar private programs in Pennsylvania report—to enter a helping profession that pays around $35,000 initially creates an uphill financial start. Human services work is meaningful but notoriously underpaid, and these estimated figures put Geneva's program squarely in line with state norms: comparable PA programs show similar debt loads and modest starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.23 means graduates would owe more than a full year's salary, making standard loan repayment a significant monthly burden on an entry-level nonprofit or social services salary.
The four-year earnings figure of $35,742 suggests minimal salary growth in those early years, which tracks with what the field typically offers. Nationally, human services bachelor's degrees produce a median of $36,630—only slightly better—so this isn't a Geneva-specific problem but rather a field-wide reality. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to provide economic mobility, yet the numbers suggest a long payback period even under income-driven repayment plans.
If your child is drawn to direct service work, understand they're choosing impact over income. The estimated debt load here is manageable only with careful loan counseling and realistic expectations about career earnings. Look closely at whether this specific program offers connections to better-paying roles in program management or grant writing, which could improve the financial picture.
Where Geneva College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva College | — | $35,742 | — |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| Chestnut Hill College | $40,336 | $44,644 | +11% |
| Lincoln University | $34,374 | $42,919 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Geneva CollegeBeaver Falls | $33,610 | $35,081* | $35,742 | $43,125* | — |
 Chestnut Hill CollegePhiladelphia | $39,410 | $40,336* | $44,644 | $43,125* | 1.07 |
 Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport | $17,940 | $35,787* | — | $42,463* | 1.19 |
 Lincoln UniversityLincoln University | $12,512 | $34,374* | $42,919 | $37,500* | 1.09 |
 Lancaster Bible CollegeLancaster | $29,990 | $33,664* | — | $48,590* | 1.44 |
| 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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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 median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.