Human Resources Management and Services at George Washington University

George Washington University's HR management program outperforms the national median by $7,000 in first-year earnings—landing at the 81st percentile nationally—but graduates here face a notable tradeoff. With only three schools offering this program in D.C., and limited data from a small cohort, the $57,219 starting salary matches the city median exactly. The real story emerges at the four-year mark: earnings jump 43% to nearly $82,000, suggesting graduates find solid career traction in the capital's robust government and nonprofit sectors. However, be aware this reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making these figures less reliable than larger samples.

The debt picture deserves attention. While $20,793 sits below the national median, it actually ranks in the 84th percentile for debt among HR programs—meaning most comparable programs nationwide leave students with less borrowing. The 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, essentially requiring five months of gross income to cover the debt. GW's selective profile (44% admission rate, 1433 SAT average, predominantly affluent student body) suggests strong networking opportunities that likely contribute to the above-average outcomes.

For families comfortable with limited data reliability, this program offers access to D.C.'s employment market and strong mid-career earnings growth. The debt load is modest enough that typical federal loan repayment shouldn't strain budgets, particularly as salaries climb toward $80,000-plus within four years.