Human Services at University of North Texas at Dallas

The debt burden tells a more promising story than you might expect from a helping profession. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in human services nationally, graduates here can anticipate roughly $28,000 in debt—substantially below both the national and Texas medians for this field. That's meaningful when you're entering a profession where first-year earnings hover around $36,600, producing a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.76. Serving a predominantly low-income student body (51% receive Pell grants), UNT Dallas appears to keep borrowing costs in check relative to peer institutions.

The earnings picture aligns with national expectations for human services, which typically means steady but modest compensation. Similar programs across the country produce first-year salaries in this same $33,000-$40,000 range. Human services work—whether in case management, community outreach, or social assistance—rarely generates high initial salaries, but it offers stability and mission-driven work for those drawn to it.

For families evaluating this investment: the lower estimated debt matters significantly in a field where earnings grow slowly. If your student is committed to helping professions and wants to stay in the Dallas area, this program offers an accessible entry point without the crushing debt burden seen at many Texas competitors. The real risk isn't the numbers—it's whether your student can sustain career satisfaction on a human services salary long-term.