Human Services at Rasmussen University-Wisconsin

Rasmussen's Human Services program commands premium pricing—$46,312 in median debt versus $31,573 nationally—but delivers earnings that justify the investment. Graduates earn $40,125 in their first year, placing them at the 75th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Wisconsin programs. That's $3,500 above the national median and $2,500 above Wisconsin's median, meaningful differences when you're starting a career in social services.

The debt load is substantial, nearly $3,300 higher than Wisconsin's median for this program, but the 1.15 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—graduates owe roughly 14 months of their first-year salary. For context, this is the highest debt load among Wisconsin's eight Human Services programs, yet it produces better earnings outcomes than most competitors. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, Rasmussen clearly serves students who need financial aid, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't outlier results.

The calculus here is straightforward: you're paying more upfront for measurably better career positioning. If your child can manage the debt service on a social services salary—which typically offers stability rather than rapid growth—this program delivers returns that exceed most alternatives. The premium makes sense for students committed to the field, less so for those still exploring career paths.