Analysis
At $25,000 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $50,000, this bachelor's in HR management appears to offer a manageable financial start—though the actual outcomes for UNLV graduates remain uncertain due to limited data. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments, assuming the national benchmark holds for this particular campus. However, the one comparable Nevada program reports substantially higher earnings ($57,983), raising questions about whether UNLV's open-access model and regional employer connections translate similarly.
The gap between estimated national figures and what Nevada's other HR program achieves is worth investigating. Similar programs across the country typically produce $50,000 first-year salaries, but Las Vegas's hospitality-driven economy might create different opportunities—potentially better or worse—for HR professionals. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, UNLV serves a population where even moderate debt matters significantly.
Given the data limitations, direct conversations with UNLV's career services about actual job placement rates and starting salaries for recent HR graduates would provide crucial clarity. If their outcomes track closer to the $58,000 figure from the state's other program, this becomes a solid investment; if they align with the lower national estimate, it's still workable but less compelling than the state data initially suggests.
Where University of Nevada-Las Vegas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (2 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,142 | $50,361* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| — | $57,983* | $51,907 | $50,470* | 0.87 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Nevada-Las Vegas, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 169 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.