Human Resources Management and Services at Johnson & Wales University-Online

Johnson & Wales University's online HR program produces graduates earning about $4,000 below the national median for this field, but that comparison needs important context. With fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift significantly with more data points. Within Rhode Island's limited HR program landscape, this actually hits the state median—though Bryant University's program shows what's possible locally, with graduates earning $62,000.

The $31,500 debt load sits above the national median but translates to a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio. Your child would be borrowing about 68 cents for every dollar they earn in year one, which falls in a reasonable range for bachelor's programs. The program serves a meaningful proportion of Pell-eligible students (36%), suggesting financial aid may be available for families who need it.

The real question is whether online delivery meets your child's learning style and career goals in HR—a field where networking and soft skills matter tremendously. The earnings trajectory for HR roles typically improves with experience as professionals move into management positions. Given the small sample size, talk to the admissions office about job placement specifics and which employers hire their graduates before making this investment.