Human Services at Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College's Human Services program starts graduates at just $26,571—well below both the national median ($31,677) and the state median ($27,474)—but the story improves substantially over time. Within four years, earnings climb 28% to nearly $34,000, bringing graduates close to the top quartile nationally. This trajectory matters for an associate's degree in a helping profession, where entry positions often involve direct care work with modest pay before experience opens doors to case management and supervisory roles.

The debt load of $17,984 is actually lower than the national norm for this program, and with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, Monroe appears to be keeping costs reasonable for a population that needs it. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about eight months of full salary—manageable, even with that lower starting wage. However, sitting at the 40th percentile among New York programs suggests there are stronger options nearby. Hudson Valley Community College graduates earn $6,300 more right out of the gate, and CUNY Bronx exceeds Monroe's four-year earnings by the first year.

For families prioritizing affordability and upward mobility in human services, this program delivers reasonable debt with proven earnings growth. But if location flexibility allows, exploring higher-performing programs within New York could yield better returns without significantly higher borrowing.