Human Services at Saint Louis Community College

The 22% earnings decline between years one and four is the central puzzle of this program. Graduates start at $34,931—well above the national median for human services programs—but by year four they're earning just $27,059. This backward trajectory is unusual and concerning, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means we could be seeing statistical noise rather than a reliable pattern.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $15,102, graduates owe about $9,000 less than the national median for human services programs and substantially less than Missouri's state median of $24,108. That lower debt load makes the declining earnings somewhat more manageable, though a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one still means graduates are carrying debt equal to about five months of income—and that ratio worsens as earnings drop.

Here's the practical reality for Missouri families: while this program ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally, it sits right at the state median (40th percentile) for earnings, essentially matching what Columbia College delivers. The lower debt is an advantage, but the earnings trajectory suggests graduates may struggle with advancement in their human services careers. With such a small sample size, it's worth verifying whether current program outcomes look similar before committing. If the pattern holds, families should understand they're likely looking at peak earnings immediately after graduation rather than the growth trajectory most associate degrees promise.