Human Services at Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond's Human Services program places graduates well above typical associate-level human services workers—$36,101 versus a national median of $31,677—though this comes with debt that sits near the national average at $21,703. More notably, these earnings surpass the Massachusetts median for this program by nearly $7,000, positioning this program solidly in the middle tier statewide (60th percentile). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 suggests graduates can reasonably manage their loans, particularly given the program's appeal to students who receive substantial financial aid (39% receive Pell grants).

The practical concern here is the flat earnings trajectory: graduates earn essentially the same amount four years out as they do initially. Human services roles often require additional credentials for advancement, so parents should view this associate degree as a credential that opens doors quickly but may need supplementing with bachelor's-level coursework for meaningful salary growth. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with a different cohort.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into social services work with immediate employment prospects, this program delivers—especially compared to other Massachusetts options. Just understand that career progression will likely require further education investment down the line.