Human Resources Management and Services at Tulane University of Louisiana

An associate's degree in HR from a highly selective university like Tulane raises immediate questions about fit and value. Peer programs nationally suggest earnings around $40,000 in the first year with debt near $28,000—a manageable 0.70 ratio on paper. But Tulane's 15% admission rate and 1443 average SAT score signal an institution designed for bachelor's degrees, not two-year credentials. The sample size here is so small that the Department of Education can't publish actual outcomes, which itself tells you something: this isn't a typical pathway at this school.

The practical concern isn't just whether the numbers work—it's whether this program makes strategic sense. Students admitted to Tulane are typically competing for four-year degrees that lead to much stronger career trajectories. An associate's in HR might serve as a stepping stone or specialized credential for someone already working, but for a traditional student, it's worth asking why they'd stop at an associate's level at an institution where most peers are earning bachelor's degrees. Similar programs elsewhere often cost far less at community colleges while producing comparable early earnings.

If your child is considering this route, understand you're working with educated guesses about outcomes, not track records. The safest assumption: if this fits their specific situation—perhaps combining work with education or testing the waters before committing to a four-year program—proceed cautiously and have a clear plan for what comes after.