Human Services at University of Minnesota-Morris

**Rough financial terrain marks this program, with estimated debt of $28,000 against first-year earnings that hover around $40,000.** While comparable Human Services programs in Minnesota suggest similar earnings, it's worth noting that this estimate sits at the national 75th percentile—and that UMN-Morris appears to offer this outcome at roughly $18,000 less debt than the state median. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, though graduates will still face meaningful monthly payments right as they enter a field known for modest starting salaries.

The challenge with Human Services degrees—whether here or elsewhere—is that the work, while socially valuable, rarely commands compensation that makes large debt loads comfortable. Similar programs across Minnesota show a wide earnings range, from the mid-$30,000s to mid-$40,000s, suggesting that employer type and location matter substantially. UMN-Morris's lower estimated debt load provides some cushion, but families should understand that graduates will likely need to budget carefully in their early career years.

If your child is genuinely committed to human services work and values the liberal arts environment at Morris, the relatively lower debt burden makes this more viable than some alternatives. But compare this carefully against Metropolitan State's reported outcomes if practical concerns outweigh campus experience—that extra $5,000 in first-year earnings could meaningfully ease the transition into this demanding but modestly paid field.