Human Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State's Human Services program produces graduates who earn more than 88% of similar programs nationwide, yet land in the middle of the pack among Colorado's three schools offering this degree. First-year earnings of $41,938 exceed the national median by $5,300, and the debt burden of $29,913 comes in below both national and state averages—a meaningful advantage for Metro State's open-admission model serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients.

The catch is minimal earnings growth. Graduates see essentially flat wages from year one to year four, staying slightly below the state median of $42,637. Colorado State Global's program edges ahead by about $1,400, though the difference is modest. What matters more is that human services careers often rely on advanced credentials for significant advancement, so this bachelor's degree may represent a starting point rather than a complete investment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates can reasonably manage repayment on these salaries, particularly given Metro State's below-average debt loads.

For families prioritizing affordability and immediate employability in social services, this program delivers solid value—especially compared to pricier alternatives. Just recognize that upward mobility in this field typically requires either master's-level education or years of specialized experience.