Human Resources Management and Services at Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State's HR program sits firmly in the middle of the pack, with graduates earning about $7,700 less than the Minnesota median for this major four years out. The program ranks at the 40th percentile among Minnesota HR programs—meaning six out of ten in-state alternatives produce better outcomes. When you consider that the top programs in the state (Bethel, Concordia-Saint Paul) see graduates earning $65,000-$76,000, the gap becomes substantial enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $34,516, graduates carry about $5,000 more than the state median, but that translates to a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio. Metropolitan State's open-admission policy and high Pell grant enrollment (44%) suggest this program serves students who might not have access to more selective options, which provides important context for the moderate outcomes. The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four indicates steady career progression, even if the starting point lags peers.

For families comparing options, this program delivers adequate preparation for HR careers at a reasonable cost, but it's not a standout value. If your student can gain admission to Bethel or Concordia-Saint Paul, the significantly higher earnings likely justify any tuition difference. Metropolitan State makes sense primarily for students who need the flexibility of its open-admission model or who are price-sensitive enough that the slightly lower debt load matters more than the earnings gap.