Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,225
Est. from IN median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,743
Est. from IN median (4 programs)

Analysis

Indiana's Human Resources bachelor's programs typically produce starting salaries around $49,000, putting Indiana University-Northwest's estimated outcomes right in line with state norms—though well below what graduates from Indiana Wesleyan ($57,000) command. Based on comparable programs at similar Indiana institutions, the estimated $25,743 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, which falls within a manageable range for this field. That's actually slightly better than both state and national medians for HR programs, suggesting this pathway shouldn't create crushing financial pressure in those crucial first years after graduation.

The reality check here is that HR as a field doesn't typically reward credential prestige the way finance or engineering might. What matters more are internship experiences, professional certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP), and practical skills in HRIS systems and employment law. Given IU-Northwest's 43% Pell Grant population and regional focus, this program likely serves working adults and first-generation students well—the kind who need affordable access to a legitimate four-year degree more than they need an elite brand name. The estimated numbers suggest a viable path to middle-class stability rather than exceptional earning potential, which may be exactly what many students here are seeking.

Where Indiana University-Northwest Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Indiana University-NorthwestGary$8,179$49,225*$25,743*
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$56,752*$51,543$51,703*0.91
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion$8,216$56,752**
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette$10,110$50,810*$44,834*0.88
Purdue University NorthwestHammond$8,419$47,640*$26,486*0.56
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$47,451*$59,740$20,500*0.43
National Median$50,361*$26,625*0.53
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Labor Relations Specialists

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

$93,500/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Indiana University-Northwest, approximately 43% 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 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.