Analysis
Massachusetts consistently produces stronger outcomes in human services than most states, with typical first-year earnings around $46,000—well above the national median of $36,630. Gordon's estimated figures align with this state pattern, suggesting graduates here likely enter the field with a financial foundation comparable to peers at larger programs like Northeastern and Fitchburg State.
The estimated debt load of roughly $30,000 translates to a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would carry about eight months of their first-year salary in loans. That's reasonable for a helping profession that rarely commands high starting salaries but offers stability and growth over time. Human services careers typically involve direct client work in social service agencies, nonprofits, or government programs—roles that value the applied skills and ethical grounding that smaller liberal arts colleges like Gordon emphasize.
The real question centers on Gordon's specific career preparation and field placement networks, since these factors heavily influence early earnings in human services. With limited graduate data available for this particular program, look closely at internship partnerships, faculty connections to local agencies, and alumni employment patterns in the Boston area, where most Massachusetts human services jobs concentrate. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but the actual value depends on how well Gordon connects students to that regional job market.
Where Gordon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,100 | $45,641* | — | $29,935* | — | |
| — | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000* | 0.57 | |
| $63,141 | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000* | 0.57 | |
| $11,046 | $45,641* | $48,365 | $26,352* | 0.58 | |
| $18,072 | $44,287* | $37,169 | $32,524* | 0.73 | |
| $35,013 | $35,289* | $44,634 | $29,935* | 0.85 | |
| 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 Gordon College, approximately 21% 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 5 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.