Human graduates earn $48,597 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,249 and $62,659. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Human is a focused area of study within Public Administration. Graduates typically earn around $48,597 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 480 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 11,596 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The curriculum blends analytical and applied coursework aimed at the workplace.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$36,616
Median Earnings · 4yr
$48,597
Colleges Offering
480
Graduates / Year
11,596
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,560
How Much Do Human Graduates Earn?
Human graduates earn $48,597 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,249 and $62,659.
$36,616
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$48,597
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$48,799
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Human graduates. Industry and seniority explain most of the spread. Finance, consulting, and strategy roles pull the top end up; operations and administrative roles sit at the bottom.
$35,24925th pct.
$48,597Median
$62,65975th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $48,597 and an estimated $62,240 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.3 years.
Based on outcomes from 216 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 11,596 students who complete Human programs each year, the majority (54%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
34%54%
Bachelor's54%
Associate's34%
Master's8%
What Can You Do With a Human Degree?
Human connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Social and Community Service Managers leads at $80,390/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Social PerceptivenessService OrientationActive ListeningMonitoringCoordination
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
High school diploma or equivalent50,600 openings/yr438K employed nationally
Social PerceptivenessActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Top Colleges for Human
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Human students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Human program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Human carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 4 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $36,616 at graduation to $48,597 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +6.4% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 69,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 480 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $48,597 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($35,249) and 75th ($62,659) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Human Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human graduates earn?
Human graduates earn a national median of $48,597 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,249 and $62,659. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Human degree?
One year after graduation, Human degree holders earn a median of $36,616. That climbs to $48,597 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Human degree?
Human degree holders pursue careers including Social and Community Service Managers, which pays a median of $80,390/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Human program take?
A Human bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Human?
480 colleges and universities in the United States offer Human programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Human degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $48,597 and an average net price of roughly $15,560/yr, a Human degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Human and Public Administration?
Human is a focused concentration within the broader Public Administration field. The Public Administration major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Human-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Human graduates?
Employers hiring Human graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software tend to set candidates apart.
Is graduate school worth it for Human graduates?
An MBA or specialized master's can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Human graduates?
The job outlook for Human graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Social and Community Service Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Public Administration Programs
Other programs in Public Administration. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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H
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