Analysis
Starting at $32,632 annually after completing this HR associate's degree leaves graduates with roughly $30,000 in debtβnearly a full year's salary. That's problematic, especially when other Minnesota schools offering the same credential deliver substantially better outcomes. Rasmussen's HR program, for instance, produces median earnings of $46,000, while Minnesota State Community and Technical College hits the state median of $36,367. Saint Paul College sits at the 40th percentile among Minnesota HR programs, meaning six out of ten in-state alternatives perform better.
The debt burden deserves particular attention. At 94% of first-year earnings, students face more aggressive repayment pressure than typical for this field, where the national median debt is about $26,500. Combined with below-average earnings, graduates could struggle with loan payments during those critical first years of employment.
Important caveat: this program has fewer than 30 graduates in the data, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. Still, the pattern is concerning enough that parents should carefully compare this program against alternatives like Minnesota State Community and Technical College or Rasmussen before committing. For families already in Saint Paul who need hyperlocal access, understand you're likely trading convenience for financial outcomes, and plan accordingly for that debt load.
Where Saint Paul College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Paul College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Human Resources Management and Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,318 | $32,632 | β | $30,562 | 0.94 | |
| $10,899 | $45,969 | $49,585 | $26,536 | 0.58 | |
| $5,900 | $36,367 | $45,645 | $18,261 | 0.50 | |
| National Median | β | $40,006 | β | $26,536 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Saint Paul College, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.