Human Resources Management and Services at Waukesha County Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College graduates this HR program with less than half the typical debt load—$12,307 versus $26,536 nationally—while earning above-average salaries from day one. Starting at $45,383 puts graduates ahead of 73% of similar programs nationwide, and that climbs to $51,244 by year four. Among Wisconsin's 14 HR programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, trailing only a handful of technical colleges by narrow margins.

The real standout here is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning graduates owe just three months' salary. That's exceptional for any degree program and particularly impressive given that this still delivers competitive earnings growth. The 13% salary increase over four years isn't dramatic, but paired with such manageable debt, it creates a low-risk entry into a stable field.

The caveat worth noting: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest. But the fundamental equation—competitive starting salary, strong earnings trajectory, and minimal debt burden—makes this one of Wisconsin's better bets for students interested in human resources without committing to a bachelor's degree.