Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $47,467 track close to the $51,599 national median for Human Resources Management and Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 8.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $21,875 in median debt against $47,467 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #135 out of 169 programs, Western Illinois University's financial outcomes for Human Resources Management and Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $47,467 to $48,657 over five years (3% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.