Human Services at Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Human Services, General

serving 5,359 students in Columbia, MO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,001 at Columbia College come in 17% above the national median of $29,996 for Human Services programs.

At 9.2x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 26% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Human Services graduates.

The $28,454 debt-to-$35,001 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #27 out of 46 programs, Columbia College's financial outcomes for Human Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,001 to $43,516 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Human Services connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
43
Score
44
High End
Earnings $35,001/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (74% shielded)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$453K
5.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
9.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$48,652
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,454
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,516
24% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Human Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Social and community service managers $78,240 +6.4% 61%
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940 +4.6% 100%
Social and human service assistants $45,120 +6.4% 61%
Social and community service managers
$78,240
+6.4% growth 61% AI-proof
Community and social service specialists, all other
$54,940
+4.6% growth 100% AI-proof
Social and human service assistants
$45,120
+6.4% growth 61% AI-proof

Human Services Career Guide

Human Services opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Human Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Services Overview

Human Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Human Services at Columbia College?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Human Services program at Columbia College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Human Services occupations, such as Direct Support Specialist (Alternate Title: Assistant Case Manager) and Peer Specialist (Bureau Of Prisons Only). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Human Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Human Services have roughly 82,300 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →