Human Services at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado's two largest Human Services bachelor's programs report graduates earning $41,938 to $43,336 in their first year—substantially more than the national median that peer programs suggest for UCCS. While we're working with estimates here (the actual graduate cohort was too small to report publicly), similar programs nationwide typically produce first-year earnings around $36,630, which would put UCCS about $6,000 behind its in-state competitors. That gap matters when you're carrying debt.

The estimated $27,925 in borrowing sits below both state and national medians for this field, which provides some cushion. A 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly nine months of gross pay to cover the debt—manageable if the earnings estimate holds true. However, Human Services salaries generally start modest regardless of school, and this field often requires additional credentials for advancement. The question becomes whether UCCS's program prepares graduates as effectively as CSU Global or Metro State for those crucial first positions.

Given the uncertainty around these figures and the apparent earnings gap with reported competitors, you'd want to dig into job placement specifics: where graduates actually land, what roles they secure, and whether the program has strong agency partnerships in Colorado Springs. The debt load won't sink your child, but if actual earnings come in closer to the national average than the Colorado median, those first few years will feel tighter than they should.