Human Services at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's Human Services program starts slowly but demonstrates impressive earnings momentum. While first-year graduates earn just $32,812—well below the national median of $36,630 and landing in the 13th percentile nationally—earnings jump 56% to reach $51,146 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the rough start, particularly since the debt load of $24,413 is notably lower than the national median of $31,573 for this field.

The state context offers modest reassurance: among Delaware's two Human Services programs, this one performs at the median for both earnings and debt (60th percentile). However, that's a limited comparison set. More concerning is the initial earnings gap—graduates start nearly $4,000 below what their peers at other programs earn nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable, but only because the debt is relatively contained.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child can weather those challenging first few years. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing and advancing in the field, but the entry-level reality is stark. If financial support during the early career phase isn't feasible, programs that offer stronger starting salaries—even with slightly higher debt—might provide a more stable path. This is a program that rewards patience, but requires it too.