Analysis
An estimated debt load of $16,261 positions this associate's program favorably against the national landscape, where HR management programs typically saddle graduates with median debt of $26,536—nearly $10,000 more. Similar programs in Ohio carry even steeper debt burdens at $35,666, making Zane State's estimated costs notably lower than state peers.
The earnings picture, drawn from comparable HR programs nationwide, suggests first-year income around $40,006. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning graduates would theoretically owe roughly 40% of their first year's salary—a manageable burden that most financial planners would consider reasonable for an associate's degree. The math works: even with standard loan payments, this level of debt shouldn't consume an outsized share of a typical HR coordinator or benefits specialist salary.
The caveat matters here: both figures are estimates based on peer institutions, not tracked outcomes from Zane State's actual graduates. That means parents can't know whether this school's connections to local employers or curriculum specifics translate into better or worse results than the national average suggests. What the estimate does indicate is that if Zane State performs anywhere close to typical HR programs nationally, the investment looks sensible—lower debt than most alternatives with earnings that should support comfortable repayment.
Where Zane State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Resources Management and Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,856 | $40,006* | — | $16,261* | — | |
| — | $46,445* | — | $20,000* | 0.43 | |
| $15,117 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $12,715 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $10,899 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| $13,546 | $45,969* | $49,585 | $26,536* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $40,006* | — | $26,536* | 0.66 |
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 Zane State College, approximately 18% 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 national median of 23 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.