Analysis
Drawing on what similar HR programs in Iowa typically produce, a Bachelor's in Human Resources Management at William Penn would leave graduates with an estimated $27,375 in debt and first-year earnings around $49,512. That 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio sits right at the threshold where loan repayment should be manageable but not exactly comfortable—you're looking at monthly payments that will take a noticeable bite out of early paychecks. The earnings estimate aligns closely with the national median for HR bachelor's programs ($50,361), suggesting this field delivers relatively consistent outcomes regardless of where you study.
What's harder to gauge is where William Penn specifically fits within Iowa's HR landscape. The state's top-earning programs show significant variation: Waldorf graduates reportedly earn $77,897 in their first year, while comparable programs cluster in the $48,000-$50,000 range. Without reported data from William Penn's own graduates, parents should recognize they're making this investment based on averages from peer institutions rather than demonstrated outcomes from this particular program. The school serves a student body where 46% receive Pell grants, which often correlates with strong student support services, though it doesn't tell you whether those services translate into job placement success.
If your child is set on HR and values a smaller campus environment, the estimated debt load isn't alarming for this field. But confirm what career services and employer connections William Penn actually offers before committing—those connections matter more than the curriculum when launching an HR career.
Where William Penn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,750 | $49,512* | — | $27,375* | — | |
| $25,220 | $77,897* | $68,524 | $32,111* | 0.41 | |
| $10,964 | $52,945* | $67,540 | $23,149* | 0.44 | |
| $33,450 | $49,917* | $63,128 | $27,375* | 0.55 | |
| $19,000 | $49,106* | $48,961 | $41,006* | 0.84 | |
| $39,070 | $48,722* | $52,422 | $29,225* | 0.60 | |
| 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 William Penn University, approximately 46% 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 6 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.