Human Services at Seton Hill University

A bachelor's degree in Human Services from Seton Hill comes with an estimated debt load of $43,125—roughly $12,000 above the national median for this field and significantly higher than what graduates typically earn in their first year. Similar programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.23. That means a graduate would owe more than their entire first year's salary, which translates to monthly loan payments around $450 on a standard 10-year plan—nearly 15% of pre-tax income.

The debt figure here is particularly concerning when you consider that Pennsylvania's Human Services programs already carry higher-than-average debt loads compared to the national median of $31,500. While peer programs in the state produce comparable earnings—ranging from about $34,000 to $40,000—the debt at Seton Hill appears elevated even within Pennsylvania's context. Human Services is a field that attracts students passionate about helping others, but it's also known for modest starting salaries that grow slowly over time.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the debt burden is manageable on a helping profession salary. If your student can reduce borrowing through scholarships, family support, or part-time work, this path becomes more viable. But at the full estimated debt level, the financial pressure could limit their ability to enter the nonprofit or social services roles that initially drew them to this field.