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Human Services at Shorter University

Rome, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Services, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,167/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)

Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)

ROI 4.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #79 of 84 Human Services, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$425K	$426K	$418K
Earnings Multiple	4.4x	4.4x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	68%	57%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	22	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$96,176

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,144

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$39,668

15.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$37,893

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,167/yr fall 19% below the $37,292 national median for Human Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #79 ranking among 84 Human Services programs places Shorter University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 26% earnings increase from $30,167 to $37,893 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Shorter University

Shorter University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,091 students in Rome, GA. The average net cost of $65,144 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Shorter University →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr

Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940/yr

Social and human service assistants $45,120/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Shorter University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Services at Shorter University?

At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Human Services degree from Shorter University?

At $39,668 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Shorter University a good choice for Human Services despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Shorter University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →