Analysis
Xavier's HR program comes with an estimated debt load of $35,000βnotably higher than both the Ohio median ($25,000) and the national median ($26,625) for this degree. That matters because similar Ohio programs suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77. While this isn't catastrophic, it means your child would be carrying debt worth more than nine months of their starting salary.
The four-year earnings figure of $63,649 shows meaningful income growth, which is encouraging. However, when peer programs at schools like Walsh University and Ohio State are producing graduates earning $80,000+ and $59,000 respectively in year four, it raises questions about whether Xavier's outcomes justify its higher borrowing costs. The estimated first-year figure already sits at the state median, suggesting Xavier isn't delivering an earnings premium despite the debt premium.
For a Jesuit private university with an 88% admission rate, you're likely paying more for smaller classes and campus experience rather than labor market advantage. If your child is taking on close to $35,000 in debt, make sure they're choosing Xavier for reasons beyond the HR credential itselfβthe estimated outcomes suggest this degree path doesn't require a premium-priced education to succeed.
Where Xavier University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xavier University | β | $63,649 | β |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $58,991 | $64,319 | +9% |
| Youngstown State University | $45,244 | $59,512 | +32% |
| Franklin University | $50,827 | $57,339 | +13% |
| University of Akron Main Campus | $51,422 | $55,723 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,125 | $45,244* | $63,649 | $35,001* | β | |
| $34,595 | $80,566* | β | $29,812* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $58,991* | $64,319 | $19,500* | 0.33 | |
| $36,298 | $55,253* | β | $35,001* | 0.63 | |
| $12,799 | $51,422* | $55,723 | $20,750* | 0.40 | |
| $49,100 | $50,938* | β | $20,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | β | $50,361* | β | $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 Xavier University, approximately 14% 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 19 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.