Human Resources Management and Services at The University of Findlay

Based on comparable programs nationally, this associate's degree carries estimated debt of $27,901—roughly $8,000 above the national median for HR programs at this level—while first-year earnings track right at the national benchmark of $40,006. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 sits in workable territory, but the premium you're paying over typical program debt deserves scrutiny, especially since Ohio's state median for HR associate's programs runs even higher at $35,666.

The fundamental question is whether an associate's degree provides enough trajectory in human resources to justify nearly $28,000 in loans. HR is a field where bachelor's degrees increasingly dominate hiring for roles beyond administrative support, and that first-year salary—while reasonable for an associate's credential—may limit how quickly your child can pay down debt while building toward the next credential many HR professionals eventually need. The 75th percentile nationally only reaches $45,969, suggesting the ceiling isn't dramatically higher even for top performers.

If your child is certain about HR and plans to work while completing a bachelor's, this could serve as an entry point. But borrowing this amount for an associate's degree makes more sense if there's a clear employment path immediately after graduation—ideally with an employer who'll support continued education. Without that concrete plan, the debt load feels steep for a two-year credential in a field that increasingly rewards four-year degrees.