Human Services at Midland University

A debt load near $32,500 for first-year earnings around $36,600 creates a tighter financial picture than most Nebraska families might expect. While this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 sits near the national median for human services programs, it's worth noting that the single Nebraska program with reported data—Doane University—shows graduates earning slightly more ($38,600) while carrying significantly less debt (around $23,100). That $9,000 difference in borrowing matters when you're starting a career in a helping profession known for modest initial salaries.

Human services graduates nationally cluster in a fairly narrow earnings band, with the top programs reaching only $40,125 in first-year earnings. This suggests the field itself—not just this particular program—tends toward compensation that makes larger debt loads challenging. The estimated figures here place Midland's program squarely in the middle of national outcomes, neither exceptional nor alarming compared to peer institutions.

For families weighing this investment, the key consideration is whether roughly $350 in monthly loan payments on a $3,000 monthly salary feels manageable for work your child finds meaningful. Human services careers often deliver strong personal satisfaction but require careful financial planning from the start. If minimizing debt is a priority, exploring whether comparable Nebraska programs offer better aid packages would be worthwhile before committing.