Human Resources Management and Services at Georgia Southwestern State University

This program's numbers demand caution—not because they're catastrophic, but because they're based on a very small sample that may not represent your child's likely outcome. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a handful of unusual cases can swing the data dramatically. That said, the reported figures show earnings trailing both the national HR management median ($50,361) and Georgia's state median ($42,728), while debt runs significantly higher than typical for this field.

The debt load here is particularly concerning: at $41,580 versus a national median of $26,625 for HR programs, graduates are borrowing nearly 60% more than peers elsewhere. Starting at under $38,000 means the first year after graduation will be financially tight, even though earnings do climb to a more manageable $48,414 by year four. Notably, this still lags behind what Georgia's other HR programs deliver, with Mercer graduates earning $47,538 right out of the gate.

Given the small sample and the financial picture, this program carries real uncertainty. If your child is set on HR management and considering Georgia schools, it's worth exploring whether larger, more established programs might offer both better career networks and clearer outcome patterns. The high Pell grant percentage shows GSW serves many first-generation and lower-income students well in other ways, but for this specific major, the risk-reward balance isn't compelling based on available data.