Human Services at Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA · Public · Associate Degree · Human Services, General

enrolling 9,802 students in Harrisburg, PA.

Program Analysis

At $33,674 per year, Human Services graduates from Harrisburg Area Community College earn slightly above the $29,996 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 24.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $33,625 against $33,674/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #14 ranking among 46 Human Services programs places Harrisburg Area Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $33,674 to $35,931 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 2 registered apprenticeship programs align with Human Services careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
47
Score
48
High End
Earnings $33,674/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (74% shielded)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$363K
1.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
24.6x
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 (In-State)
$14,746
Out-of-state: $22,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$33,625
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,931
7% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Human Services careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Human Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Services Overview

Human Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Harrisburg Area Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Human Services at Harrisburg Area Community College?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Human Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Human Services graduates?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Human Services. For students weighing Harrisburg Area Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Human Services graduates from Harrisburg Area Community College find jobs?
The large job market (82,300 annual openings) works in favor of Human Services graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →