Human Services at St. Joseph's University-New York

St. Joseph's University-New York graduates are out-earning 95% of human services programs nationwide—a striking advantage that translates to roughly $6,500 more annually than the typical graduate in this field. Within New York, however, that edge narrows considerably. The $43,105 median sits just above the state median of $41,021, essentially matching what CUNY New York City College of Technology and Syracuse deliver. Still, for a field where many graduates earn in the mid-$30s nationally, this program positions students in the stronger tier of earning potential.

The debt picture requires more scrutiny. At $35,750, borrowers carry about $7,000 more than the New York median and $4,000 above the national average for human services programs. That's not alarming given the earnings, but it does mean graduates will spend their first year managing a debt burden equivalent to 83% of their income. In human services—a helping profession not known for rapid salary growth—that ratio matters more than in fields with steeper earning trajectories.

Keep in mind the sample size here is small, which means individual circumstances could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is drawn to human services work and committed to the New York area, this program delivers competitive earnings. Just ensure they're comfortable with above-average debt for what remains a modestly-paid field, even at its better-performing programs.