Human Resources Management and Services at Stephen F Austin State University

First-year earnings of $45,516 place this program below both the Texas median ($48,552) and well below the national median ($50,361) for HR bachelor's degrees. While the estimated debt of $22,152—based on similar bachelor's programs at Stephen F Austin—produces a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, the starting salary itself deserves scrutiny. At the 21st percentile nationally and 40th in Texas, this program trails considerably behind what comparable programs in the state typically deliver. The gap is especially stark when you consider that UT San Antonio graduates start at $56,961 and even regional competitors post stronger numbers.

The debt load appears reasonable, and HR roles typically offer steady advancement paths that could improve the long-term outlook. However, starting nearly $5,000 below the Texas median means your child enters the job market at a disadvantage compared to peers from other in-state programs. For a field where relationship-building and professional networks matter tremendously, that initial positioning could have ripple effects.

If your child is set on Stephen F Austin for campus fit or other compelling reasons, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if maximizing early earning potential matters—and in HR, where salary negotiations and compensation analysis are literally part of the job—it's worth comparing what other Texas programs might offer for a similar investment.