Analysis
Based on comparable HR programs in Wisconsin, first-year earnings around $54,000 paired with estimated debt of $30,000 creates a manageable but not exceptional financial picture. That 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary—workable for most borrowers, though not the kind of scenario where loan payments feel effortless. The debt estimate sits slightly above both the Wisconsin median ($28,368) and national median ($26,625) for similar programs, suggesting students here may be taking on marginally more financial risk than peers elsewhere.
What's harder to assess is where Marian's actual outcomes fall within Wisconsin's competitive HR landscape. The state's top programs with reported data cluster tightly between $52,000 and $59,000, with Concordia and Rasmussen leading the pack by $4,000-$5,000. Without Marian's actual graduate data, there's no way to know whether its outcomes track closer to mid-tier programs like UW-Whitewater or compete with the higher performers. Given that 32% of students receive Pell grants, the estimated debt load represents a meaningful financial commitment for lower-income families especially.
The bottom line: HR degrees generally produce steady, middle-income employment, and the estimated numbers here suggest Marian likely follows that pattern. But with only benchmark data to work from, you're making an enrollment decision without knowing this specific program's track record—a gap that matters when comparing $30,000 in debt across multiple Wisconsin options with documented outcomes.
Where Marian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,000 | $54,242* | — | $30,016* | — | |
| $34,250 | $58,982* | $60,257 | $37,050* | 0.63 | |
| $11,982 | $56,465* | $56,152 | $38,233* | 0.68 | |
| $8,212 | $55,263* | $62,039 | $20,000* | 0.36 | |
| $48,700 | $54,242* | $58,898 | —* | — | |
| $8,250 | $52,071* | $59,087 | $25,677* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
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 Marian University, approximately 32% 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 7 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.