Human Resources Management and Services at Seton Hall University

Seton Hall's HR program stands out for its earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 28% by year four—reaching $66,852, which is substantially above what most HR programs deliver nationally. That $52,285 starting salary already beats both the New Jersey median ($49,441) and national average ($50,361), placing graduates in the 60th percentile among the state's nine HR programs.

The debt picture deserves attention, though. At $23,032, graduates carry less than the national median for this field, but the 74th percentile debt ranking indicates about three-quarters of HR programs nationwide send students out with lower debt loads. The practical upside: the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means your child could realistically pay off these loans in under a year of dedicated repayment, assuming disciplined budgeting.

What makes this program work is that combination of above-average starting pay and strong salary growth. While other New Jersey schools like Thomas Edison start slightly higher, Seton Hall graduates appear to gain ground quickly in their careers. For a student committed to HR and willing to take on moderate debt for the Seton Hall brand and network, this represents a solid investment—just ensure they're aware they'll be borrowing more than students at some peer programs.