Human Services at Harcum College

Bryn Mawr, PA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Human Services, General

a compact campus enrolling 904 students in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Program Analysis

Harcum College's Human Services program produces graduates earning $26,558/yr — within striking distance of the $29,996 national average for this trade.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 6.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Human Services's career paths, with 26% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 31% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,511 represents roughly 9 months of the $26,558 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #39 of 46 Human Services programs, Harcum College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $26,558 to $37,574 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Human Services, including Direct Support Specialist (Alternate Title: Assistant Case Manager) (median $45,120/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

37 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
37
Score
38
High End
Earnings $26,558/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (74% shielded)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$405K
9.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
6.8x
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
$59,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,511
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,574
41% 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 Harcum College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Harcum College's Human Services program score?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Are there apprenticeship options for Human Services?
The DOL recognizes 2 apprenticeship pathways related to Human Services. For students weighing Harcum College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How could AI change the job market for Human Services graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 31% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Is there demand for Human Services workers?
At 82,300 annual openings, Human Services has a large employment base. Harcum College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →