Analysis
Based on comparable HR programs in Missouri, Westminster graduates can expect to earn around $51,000 in their first year—right in line with the state median and nearly matching what students from larger programs like Saint Louis University and Park University report. The estimated $30,875 in debt is higher than the national median for HR programs but typical for Missouri schools, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. That means for every dollar earned in the first year, graduates would carry about 61 cents in debt—manageable, though not exceptional.
The challenge here is that Westminster's small graduate cohort means we're working entirely with estimates based on peer programs rather than actual outcomes. While those peer programs suggest solid, middle-class starting salaries, HR as a field doesn't typically produce dramatic salary growth in the early years. With 40% of Westminster students receiving Pell grants, that $31,000 debt load could feel heavier for families without financial cushion, even if the ratio looks reasonable on paper.
For parents considering this program, the key question is whether Westminster's smaller environment and liberal arts emphasis justify paying debt levels that match larger universities with more established HR pipelines. Similar Missouri programs show consistent outcomes in the $49,000-$52,000 range, suggesting Westminster likely performs comparably—but without actual data, you're making that investment on faith rather than evidence.
Where Westminster College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,188 | $50,798* | — | $30,875* | — | |
| $53,244 | $52,377* | $57,168 | $27,000* | 0.52 | |
| $16,400 | $51,169* | $46,437 | $19,383* | 0.38 | |
| $21,100 | $50,426* | $51,230 | $34,750* | 0.69 | |
| $24,326 | $49,326* | $51,601 | $35,000* | 0.71 | |
| 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 40% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.