Human Services at Ottawa University-Milwaukee

Ottawa University-Milwaukee's Human Services program produces graduates earning about $2,500 less than the state median and $1,500 below the national average, landing in the 40th percentile among Wisconsin programs. With starting salaries around $35,000 and debt just under $40,000, graduates face a debt load exceeding their first year's earnings—a challenging starting position for a helping profession typically characterized by modest pay scales.

The debt burden here deserves attention. While slightly below Wisconsin's median for this program, it's still $8,000 above what Human Services graduates typically carry nationally. That matters because in social services fields, advancement often requires additional credentials, and starting with nearly $40,000 in undergraduate debt can limit those options. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many families are banking on this degree as an economic mobility tool.

For families weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: your child would need roughly 13-14 months of gross income to cover their debt. That's manageable but not generous, especially considering Rasmussen's Wisconsin graduates in the same field start $5,000 higher. If Milwaukee-area connections or Ottawa's specific program features justify the premium, fine. Otherwise, this represents a middle-of-the-road option in a field where earnings don't leave much room for strategic mistakes on the debt side.