Human Services at Monroe University

Monroe University's Human Services associate program graduates earn just $19,164 in their first year—landing in the bottom 10% of similar New York programs and the bottom 5% nationally. This is less than full-time minimum wage in New York State, and it's $8,300 below what graduates from other New York human services programs typically earn. Even CUNY Bronx Community College, located in the same borough, produces graduates earning nearly twice as much ($36,338) with this same degree.

The $16,000 in debt is below the state median, but that's cold comfort when earnings are this low. At less than $20,000 annually, graduates will struggle to make meaningful progress on loan payments while covering basic living expenses in the Bronx. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 means the typical graduate owes nearly their entire first year's salary, creating a financial burden that will likely persist for years.

For families considering this program: there are clearly better options even within the same city. The earnings gap between Monroe and peer institutions suggests something is significantly different about either the curriculum, the student support services, or employer perceptions of this particular program. Before committing $16,000 in debt for a credential that leads to below-poverty wages, explore the community college alternatives that consistently produce much stronger outcomes.