Human Resources Management and Services at Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers an HR associate's degree that starts modestly but builds momentum—graduates earn $36,367 initially, then see their income jump 26% to $45,645 by year four. That growth trajectory outpaces what you'd typically see from a two-year credential and suggests graduates are successfully leveraging the degree to advance in their careers.

The state context here matters significantly. While this program ranks only in the 5th percentile nationally, it hits the 60th percentile among Minnesota programs—meaning it actually outperforms most in-state alternatives despite lower absolute numbers. The state's HR market appears more constrained than the national picture, with Minnesota's median for this degree ($36,367) sitting well below the national benchmark ($40,006). At $18,261 in debt—notably lower than both state and national medians—students here are borrowing conservatively, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.50.

The value here depends on staying regional. If your child plans to work in Minnesota's job market, this program delivers competitive preparation at a lower debt cost than most alternatives. The earnings trajectory suggests real career progression potential. However, if they're considering relocating to higher-wage markets after graduation, starting elsewhere might provide better earnings right out of the gate. For students planning to build an HR career in the upper Midwest, the combination of reasonable debt and solid growth makes this a sensible starting point.