Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Northwest Missouri State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$50,798

Est. from MO median (4 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$25,000

Est. from national median (89 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Similar HR programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $51,000, which would make Northwest Missouri State competitive with established names like Saint Louis University ($52,377) and Park University ($51,169). The estimated $25,000 debt load—drawn from comparable bachelor's programs nationally—lands well below both the state median for HR degrees ($30,875) and what most Missouri peers report. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable debt, with graduates potentially paying less than half their first-year salary toward loans.

What's encouraging here is that HR programs typically produce consistent outcomes regardless of institutional prestige. The field values certification and experience over pedigree, and Northwest's 86% admission rate and modest SAT scores don't seem to hinder graduates' earning potential when compared to more selective Missouri schools. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (27%) suggests the student body may have stronger financial resources to begin with, potentially reducing reliance on borrowing.

For parents considering this program, the estimated figures point to a reasonable investment—but recognize you're making this decision without knowing what Northwest's specific graduates actually earn or owe. If your student is serious about HR, the estimated numbers align with what the field typically delivers. Just understand you're betting on Northwest producing similar outcomes to peer programs, not relying on a track record unique to this school.

Where Northwest Missouri State University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (12 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville	$10,181	$50,798*	—	$25,000*	—
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$52,377*	$57,168	$27,000*	0.52
Park UniversityParkville	$16,400	$51,169*	$46,437	$19,383*	0.38
Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles	$21,100	$50,426*	$51,230	$34,750*	0.69
Columbia CollegeColumbia	$24,326	$49,326*	$51,601	$35,000*	0.71
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 Northwest Missouri State University, approximately 27% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.