Human Services at Nelson University

Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationwide, human services graduates typically earn around $36,600 in their first year—a figure that sits at the national median but notably above what's typical in Texas, where similar programs produce first-year earnings closer to $33,000. With an estimated $32,500 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 lands in manageable territory, though it's worth noting that half of Nelson's students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are already stretching financially to afford this degree.

The challenge with human services is that it's a helping profession with inherently modest early earnings, and peer programs suggest that even graduates performing at the 75th percentile nationally only reach about $40,000. That creates a narrow margin between typical and strong outcomes. The estimated debt here is roughly equivalent to a year's salary, which is workable but offers little cushion if earnings trend toward the lower end of what Texas programs typically produce. Given Nelson's open-access mission (84% acceptance rate), students should consider whether they're positioned to compete for the better-paying positions in the field.

The practical question: can your child live on roughly $3,000 monthly while servicing student loans? If family support can reduce borrowing or if your child has clear connections to employers in social services or nonprofit work, this path could work. Without those advantages, the combination of modest earnings potential and significant debt makes this a degree that demands careful financial planning from day one.