Human Services at Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Southern New Hampshire University's Human Services program produces graduates who earn slightly above the national median for the field, with first-year earnings of $38,461 compared to the national average of $36,630. Among New Hampshire's limited options for this degree, SNHU performs right at the state median for earnings while keeping debt manageable at $36,787—actually below the state average of $37,196.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96 means graduates typically owe about what they'll earn in their first year, which is reasonable for a helping profession known for modest starting salaries. With only six schools offering Human Services degrees in New Hampshire, SNHU represents a solid middle-ground option that doesn't saddle students with excessive debt while providing earnings potential that beats most programs nationally.
For families considering this path, SNHU's Human Services program offers predictable outcomes without major red flags. The combination of above-average earnings for the field and below-average debt creates a manageable financial picture, especially important given that 47% of students receive Pell grants. While Human Services isn't a high-earning field overall, this program positions graduates competitively within their chosen profession without creating an unsustainable debt burden.
Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all human services bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | $38,461 | — | $36,787 | 0.96 |
| National Median | $36,630 | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
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 Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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 344 graduates with reported earnings and 526 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.