Human Services at Onondaga Community College

Onondaga Community College's Human Services program sits right at the state median for earnings, but with a notable advantage: graduates carry significantly less debt than typical New York programs in this field. At just over $12,000 in student loans, that's $2,000 below the state average and nearly half the national median debt. With first-year earnings around $27,400, graduates face manageable debt-to-earnings of 0.44—meaning the typical loan burden represents less than half a year's salary.

The concern here isn't the initial investment, but the career trajectory. Earnings actually decline slightly by year four, suggesting this degree may primarily open doors to entry-level social service positions without clear advancement paths. Within New York, several community colleges produce graduates earning $4,000-9,000 more annually, including CUNY Bronx and Hudson Valley. The program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide—not terrible, but middle-of-the-pack.

For families where minimizing debt is the priority and your child is committed to human services work, this program offers a financially safe entry point. The low debt load means graduates won't be trapped by loan payments if they need to pivot careers or pursue additional education. Just understand that the associate's degree alone appears to have limited earning potential—many in this field eventually need bachelor's degrees to advance into better-paying case management or program coordination roles.