Human Services at Tennessee Wesleyan University

Is a human services degree worth $32,500 in debt when Tennessee's own benchmark sits at $32,437 in first-year earnings? Based on peer institutions across the country, this program's estimated debt load of $32,524 exceeds what similar Tennessee programs typically require—the state median is $23,856. That nearly $9,000 difference matters in a field where helping others rarely comes with outsized paychecks.

The estimated earnings picture offers modest reassurance. At roughly $36,630, graduates from comparable programs nationwide appear to earn about $4,200 more than the Tennessee median for this field, suggesting Tennessee Wesleyan may provide stronger preparation or connections than the state average would suggest. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means graduates would owe nearly a full year's salary, manageable but requiring careful budgeting in those crucial early career years.

Here's what parents need to know: human services work is meaningful but financially modest, and this program's debt burden appears higher than necessary for entering this field in Tennessee. If your child is committed to this career path, compare the actual financial aid package Tennessee Wesleyan offers against what East Tennessee State or other in-state options provide. A difference of several thousand dollars in loans will affect their ability to accept lower-paying positions with nonprofits or community organizations—precisely where many human services graduates want to work.