Analysis
The human services field typically demands both compassion and financial pragmatism—a balance this program's estimated outcomes reflect. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, graduates might expect around $36,630 in first-year earnings against roughly $32,500 in debt. That 0.89 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, though with 41% of students receiving Pell grants, families without financial cushions will feel every dollar of those loan payments.
Oklahoma's human services market presents its own reality check. The state's median for these programs runs closer to $32,000—about $4,500 below the national figure that informs this estimate. If Southwestern's actual outcomes track closer to state norms than national ones, that debt burden becomes notably heavier. Human services careers often mean working in nonprofits or government agencies where salary growth can be steady but slow, making that starting point crucial.
For families weighing this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways. The program might deliver results closer to stronger national benchmarks, or it might reflect Oklahoma's more modest market. Ask the school directly about graduate outcomes and job placement, particularly within Oklahoma's social service sector. If your student is committed to helping professions and has funding options that keep debt below $30,000, the risk is reasonable. Above that threshold, you're banking on outcomes that remain unverified.
Where Southwestern Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,316 | $36,630* | — | $32,524* | — | |
| $8,032 | $32,083* | — | $28,000* | 0.87 | |
| 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 Southwestern Christian University, approximately 41% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.