Human Services at Indian River State College

Indian River State College's Human Services program offers one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find anywhere—just $13,583 compared to $29,441 at other Florida schools—but graduates face a troubling pattern. Starting earnings of $36,107 drop to $33,802 by year four, placing this program in the bottom half statewide (40th percentile among 10 Florida programs). While the debt load is impressively manageable, with a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that's far better than typical, the earnings trajectory moves in the wrong direction at a time when most careers are gaining momentum.

The program's appeal lies almost entirely in that low debt figure. A graduate here owes less than half what they would at most Florida alternatives, which matters for financial flexibility in a helping profession not known for high salaries. However, when several competitors—including Florida State College at Jacksonville at $39,173 and even Saint Leo at $36,312—manage higher earnings while still serving similar populations, the value equation becomes less clear.

For families prioritizing minimal debt above all else, this program delivers on that promise with a robust dataset backing these numbers. But parents should understand they're accepting below-average earnings that decline over time in exchange for that low borrowing. If your student is deeply committed to human services work in Florida, exploring programs that balance slightly higher earnings with still-reasonable debt might offer better long-term financial stability.