Human Services at University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands produces Human Services graduates who earn roughly $4,000 less than the national average for this degree, placing them in just the 14th percentile nationally. However, Kentucky context tells a different story: these graduates actually out-earn the state median by about $1,800, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's three programs. For families considering in-state options, this represents above-average performance within Kentucky, even if it lags the broader national market.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $22,783, graduates carry roughly $9,000 less debt than the national median for Human Services programs—and their debt load sits right at Kentucky's median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69, graduates can realistically manage repayment on these salaries. Earnings growth of 8% over four years is modest but shows steady upward momentum in a field not known for dramatic salary increases.

For Kentucky families, particularly given that nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, this program delivers reasonable value. You're getting predictable outcomes—manageable debt and earnings that beat most in-state alternatives—though your child should understand they're entering a modestly-paid field. The combination of lower-than-national-average debt and better-than-state-average earnings creates a workable financial foundation for Human Services careers.