Human Services at George Washington University

Four years out, similar programs suggest earnings around $66,000—respectable for human services work. But getting there means navigating an estimated first year at roughly $37,000 while carrying about $32,500 in debt from George Washington. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1.0, meaning nearly a full year's starting salary goes toward what you borrowed.

The trajectory matters here. If the jump from $37,000 to $66,000 holds true for GWU graduates, that's meaningful income growth that makes the initial debt load more manageable over time. Human services careers often involve this pattern—modest starts that improve as professionals gain credentials and move into supervisory or specialized roles. The question is whether a private university price tag accelerates that progression compared to less expensive options, and whether the D.C. location provides networking advantages that translate to better opportunities in nonprofits, government agencies, or social services organizations.

For a family paying George Washington's tuition, the key consideration is whether this specific program—at this specific cost—positions graduates better than state schools or other alternatives. The estimated figures suggest outcomes in line with national norms for the field, not premium results that would justify premium pricing. If your child is passionate about human services, this can work, but understand you're betting on that fourth-year salary bump to make the economics reasonable.