Human Services at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University

Peer programs suggest a human services bachelor's degree produces first-year earnings around $36,630, with debt estimated at $27,925—numbers that place this below what similar Wisconsin programs typically see for earnings ($37,646 median) but significantly better on the debt side (Wisconsin median is $43,044). For a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students, keeping estimated debt $15,000 below the state average matters enormously.

The estimated 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable territory for human services, a field known for meaningful work rather than high salaries. Comparable programs nationally show consistent earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s, with top performers in Wisconsin reaching $40,000. The challenge is that human services careers often require emotional stamina and frontline commitment, where starting salaries don't tell the full story about career trajectory or job stability.

Given the limited data available for this specific program, families should directly ask Lac Courte Oreilles about graduate placement rates, types of positions secured, and whether graduates stay in the region or move to areas with higher wages. The estimated figures suggest reasonable financial footing compared to state peers, but actual outcomes for this tribal university's graduates could vary considerably based on local employment opportunities and the school's community connections.