Analysis
University of Richmond's HR program produces graduates earning $55,123 in their first year—roughly $5,000 above the national median but exactly matching Virginia's median for this degree. At 60th percentile within Virginia, it's a middle-of-the-pack option in a state with only seven programs, trailing Eastern Mennonite by about $5,000 but ahead of several competitors. The 8% earnings growth to nearly $60,000 by year four is modest but steady.
The financial picture is where Richmond distinguishes itself. With just $19,500 in median debt—less than three-fourths of the national median—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is genuinely manageable. This positions Richmond as one of the more affordable paths into HR among Virginia options, despite its selective 23% admission rate and private school status. That low debt load matters significantly in a field where starting salaries, while solid, aren't spectacular.
For families considering Richmond's HR program, this represents reasonable value: competitive earnings for the field, low debt, and the credential from a well-regarded institution. The earnings won't blow you away, but you're not gambling on high debt paying off later. It's a practical choice for students certain about HR careers, though those keeping options open might want to compare against Richmond's other business programs given the tuition investment.
Where University of Richmond Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Richmond graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Richmond | $55,123 | $59,752 | +8% |
| Cornell University | $73,436 | $94,446 | +29% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $82,714 | $92,289 | +12% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $58,528 | $83,008 | +42% |
| Regent University | $51,631 | $52,666 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $62,600 | $55,123 | $59,752 | $19,500 | 0.35 | |
| $41,860 | $60,136 | — | $18,555 | 0.31 | |
| $20,686 | $51,631 | $52,666 | $30,031 | 0.58 | |
| 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 Richmond, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 65 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.