Analysis
A $26,000 debt load for a degree in a field where HR professionals typically earn around $50,000 in their first year represents a manageable starting point—though these figures come from comparable Pennsylvania programs rather than Westminster's own graduates. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 aligns with what financial aid experts consider reasonable, suggesting graduates could realistically handle loan payments while building their careers.
What's harder to evaluate is how Westminster specifically prepares students for HR roles compared to Pennsylvania schools with reported outcomes. Programs like Saint Joseph's and Geneva College show first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $50,000s, while Temple sits right at the state median. Without Westminster's actual graduate data, it's unclear whether the college's smaller size and 86% admission rate translate to stronger employer connections or simply reflect a less selective environment.
The reality is that HR as a field offers steady, middle-class earnings rather than explosive growth potential. If your child is drawn to organizational work and employee relations, the estimated financial picture here won't derail their career. But given the uncertainty around Westminster's specific outcomes, compare job placement rates and corporate partnerships directly with the school before committing—the difference between a $50,000 start and a $58,000 one matters more than it might seem when you're making loan payments for a decade.
Where Westminster College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,470 | $50,128* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $51,340 | $58,528* | $83,008 | $23,970* | 0.41 | |
| $33,610 | $56,414* | — | $30,000* | 0.53 | |
| $21,524 | $53,339* | $59,845 | —* | — | |
| $22,082 | $50,128* | $66,841 | $27,000* | 0.54 | |
| $44,800 | $49,480* | $53,616 | $36,131* | 0.73 | |
| 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 Westminster College, approximately 25% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.