Human Services at Saint Joseph's College of Maine

A debt load near $33,000 for work that typically starts around $36,600 creates a manageable but tight financial picture right out of college. Based on national data from similar human services bachelor's programs, you're looking at monthly loan payments of roughly $365 on a standard 10-year plan—a significant chunk of an entry-level human services salary. The 0.89 debt-to-earnings ratio sits just below the 1.0 threshold that financial advisors often flag as concerning, but it leaves little room for error if your child faces unexpected expenses or needs time to find stable employment.

Human services careers—think social work, community outreach, case management—are meaningful but rarely lucrative in the early years. The national benchmark of $36,630 represents the midpoint, meaning half of graduates from peer programs earn less than this. Saint Joseph's College serves a primarily traditional student population (just 20% receive Pell grants), which may reflect limited financial aid resources for middle-income families. With only one bachelor's-level human services program in Maine, you won't find much local competition for comparison, making the national data your best guide.

The practical reality: if your child is passionate about this field, the debt is serviceable but will constrain other financial goals for several years. Consider whether they might start at a less expensive school or whether they have a clear job path that could accelerate earnings beyond the median—many human services roles require additional licensure that takes time and money to achieve.