Analysis
The numbers here tell a difficult story, though the small sample size means individual outcomes could vary significantly. Shorter's Human Services graduates carry $46,320 in debt—nearly 50% more than both the national and Georgia medians—while earning just $30,167 in their first year. That debt burden is 1.5 times first-year earnings, creating a challenging financial start that typically signals trouble with loan repayment.
Within Georgia, this program sits near the middle of the pack for earnings (40th percentile), but that context doesn't resolve the fundamental problem: the debt level is simply too high relative to what graduates earn. Even after four years, when earnings reach $33,307, graduates are still carrying an oversized debt burden. Compare this to Gordon State College, where Human Services graduates earn similar amounts but presumably exit with debt closer to the state median of $31,000—that $15,000 difference in borrowing matters enormously when you're earning in the low $30,000s.
For a family considering this path, the math is stark. Unless your child can significantly reduce borrowing through scholarships or family contributions, this program's financial structure creates unnecessary hardship in a field that's already modestly compensated. Georgia offers better debt-to-earnings combinations for Human Services degrees, and those alternatives deserve serious consideration before committing to this level of borrowing.
Where Shorter University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Shorter University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorter University | $30,167 | $33,307 | +10% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| Kennesaw State University | $30,437 | $37,958 | +25% |
| University of North Georgia | $34,032 | $37,663 | +11% |
| Gordon State College | $33,648 | $35,501 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Shorter UniversityRome | $24,044 | $30,167 | $33,307 | $46,320 | 1.54 |
 University of North GeorgiaDahlonega | $5,009 | $34,032 | $37,663 | $27,850 | 0.82 |
 Gordon State CollegeBarnesville | $3,475 | $33,648 | $35,501 | $31,000 | 0.92 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $30,437 | $37,958 | $30,500 | 1.00 |
| National Median | — | $36,630 | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
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 Shorter University, approximately 37% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.