Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,552
Est. from TX median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$30,016
Est. from national median (72 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable HR programs across Texas, Nelson University graduates can expect first-year earnings around $48,552—solidly in line with the state median but trailing stronger programs like Baylor ($62,562) and UT San Antonio ($56,961) by $8,000-$14,000 annually. With half the student body receiving Pell grants, Nelson serves a population for whom this income could represent meaningful career advancement, though it's worth noting the school's access-focused mission may limit networking advantages that boost early earnings elsewhere.

The estimated debt load of $30,016 creates a tighter financial picture than ideal. While the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment on paper, that figure is considerably higher than the state median debt of $22,326 for HR programs in Texas. This means Nelson students are borrowing roughly $8,000 more than peers at comparable programs while earning similar starting salaries—a gap that compounds over time when you consider interest and delayed savings.

For families weighing this investment, the calculation hinges on alternatives. If your child has admission options at UT schools or similar public institutions offering HR degrees, those programs typically deliver better debt-to-earnings positioning. However, if Nelson's accessibility and location make it the most realistic path to a bachelor's degree, the HR field does offer steady employment and growth potential that can justify moderate debt—just understand you're paying a premium compared to what Texas HR graduates typically borrow.

Where Nelson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Nelson UniversityWaxahachie$18,610$48,552*$30,016*
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$62,562*$67,847$20,475*0.33
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio$35,660$58,499*$61,967$36,007*0.62
University of Phoenix-TexasDallas$57,983*$51,907$50,470*0.87
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$56,961*$53,030$22,722*0.40
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$51,732*$19,500*0.38
National Median$50,361*$26,625*0.53
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Labor Relations Specialists

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

$93,500/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Nelson University, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.