Human Services at Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College's Human Services associate program shows remarkable earnings growth, but the first year out can be financially tight. Starting at just $27,581, graduates earn below the national average for this field, though they're actually performing better than most New York programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. What sets this program apart is the trajectory: by year four, earnings nearly double to $48,899, a 77% jump that far outpaces typical growth in human services.

The debt picture is manageable at $13,569—considerably lower than the national typical debt of $20,440 for this degree. That first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a few years, especially as their earnings accelerate. Still, that initial $27,581 salary translates to roughly $2,300 per month before taxes, which requires careful budgeting in the expensive New York metro area.

One significant caveat: these numbers come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. If your child is considering this program, the key is whether they can weather those lean early years while building experience. The strong mid-career earnings suggest the degree opens doors over time, but it's not a quick path to financial security—plan for that initial period carefully.