Human Services at Walden University

Walden's online Human Services bachelor's degree saddles graduates with significantly more debt than most comparable programs—$50,495 versus a national median of $31,573. That puts this program in the bottom 5% nationally for debt burden. Starting earnings of $36,492 trail both the state median ($40,125) and land this program in just the 40th percentile among Minnesota's six Human Services programs. Metropolitan State graduates earn $9,000 more right out of the gate with likely lower debt as a public institution.

The 22% earnings growth over four years is solid, bringing graduates to $44,684, but that doesn't offset the fundamental problem: you're borrowing 1.4 times what you'll earn in your first year. For a field known for modest salaries and meaningful work, that debt load creates real financial strain. Half of Walden students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are stretching to afford this program when more affordable options exist in Minnesota.

If your child is committed to human services work and needs fully online flexibility, Walden can get them the credential. But the debt premium here is steep for outcomes that lag state averages. Exploring Minnesota's public universities first would likely deliver better value—similar or better earnings with substantially less debt.