Human Services at Rasmussen University-Kansas

Rasmussen's human services program graduates earn $40,125 in their first year—above the Kansas median of $35,168 and matching the national 75th percentile. That's the good news. The problem is getting there costs $46,312 in median debt, roughly $6,500 more than the state median and $15,000 above the national average for this field. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, that debt load hits families who can least afford it.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.15 means graduates owe more than a full year's salary, which is manageable but not comfortable in a field where salaries typically stay modest. Human services work—whether in case management, community outreach, or social assistance—rewards passion over paychecks. The earnings advantage Rasmussen delivers over other Kansas programs (about $5,000 annually) would take roughly seven years to offset the additional debt burden, assuming similar career trajectories.

For families weighing this investment, the question becomes whether the marginally higher starting salary justifies significantly higher debt compared to programs at Ottawa University that cost less. If your child is committed to human services and values Rasmussen's format or support systems, the program performs well academically. But the premium price tag means they'll start their helping career with a heavier financial burden than most peers in Kansas.