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Human Services Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers Human Services programs for just $2,760 net annually, making it the most affordable option among these 20 schools nationwide. This cost advantage matters in a field where graduates typically earn $25,967 to $37,363 annually, requiring careful attention to student debt levels. The program variety spans from New York's CUNY system with 55.5% graduation rates to Ohio University's regional campuses showing completion rates near 20%. Human Services professionals find steady demand across the country as government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare systems expand services for aging populations and mental health support. California State University campuses dominate the higher-cost end at $5,646 to $5,918 net annually, yet still maintain accessibility compared to private alternatives. Northern Marianas College presents an unusual case at $2,795 with a solid 42.2% graduation rate, reflecting the unique needs of Pacific territories. The earnings potential reaches its peak at $37,363 for CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates, who also carry relatively low debt at $8,025 compared to the field average.
50
Programs
$2,760 – $14,187
Net Price Range
$30,314
Avg. Program Earnings
38.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Human Services, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
2 $2,795 $4,038 42.2%
3 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
4 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
7 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
8 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
9 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
10 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
11 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
12 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
13 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
14 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
15 $7,075 $4,714
16 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
17 $7,625 $3,969 26.9%
18 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
19 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
20 $8,918 $3,475 17.3% 93.3%
21 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
22 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
23 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
24 $9,826 $4,632 35.7%
25 $9,832 $3,050 41.2%
26 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
27 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
28 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
29 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
30 $11,139 $8,760 8.0%
31 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
32 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
33 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
34 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
35 $11,536 $6,030 13.3%
36 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
37 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
38 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
39 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
40 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
41 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
42 $13,496 $8,506 55.0% 85.3%
43 $13,571 $9,552 19.5%
44 $13,613 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
45 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
46 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
47 $13,996 $14,992 42.9% 99.7%
48 $14,099 $8,400 96.9%
49 $14,106 $7,812 14.3%
50 $14,187 $12,525 70.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Florida State College at Jacksonville and other programs?

Florida State College at Jacksonville charges just $2,760 net annually compared to schools like California State University-San Bernardino at $5,918. This reflects Florida's community college system structure and lower living costs in Jacksonville versus California markets. The school maintains a respectable 32.4% graduation rate while keeping total debt at $28,227. Students save over $3,000 annually compared to most four-year alternatives without sacrificing program quality.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable Human Services programs?

Graduation rates span from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 69.2% at California State University-Fullerton. The Ohio University regional campuses consistently show lower completion rates, ranging from 12.1% to 20%. California State schools perform better, with Fullerton at 69.2% and San Bernardino at 54.7%. CUNY John Jay achieves 55.5% despite serving a challenging urban population in New York.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment in these programs?

CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $37,363 annually with only $8,025 in debt, creating a favorable return on investment. The program costs $4,783 net annually but leads to the highest documented earnings in this group. Most programs prepare graduates for salaries between $25,967 and $37,363. Given the low net costs ranging from $2,760 to $8,918, most graduates can expect reasonable debt-to-income ratios.

Does location significantly impact program costs and outcomes?

Regional differences are substantial, with Southern schools like Indian River State College charging $5,202 net while maintaining 42.5% graduation rates. Ohio's regional campuses cluster around $6,000 net but show weaker completion rates averaging under 20%. California schools cost more at $5,646 to $5,918 but deliver stronger graduation outcomes. Northern Marianas College offers an outlier case at $2,795 with 42.2% completion, reflecting unique territorial funding structures.

Where do students find the best combination of low costs and strong outcomes?

CUNY John Jay College combines reasonable costs at $3,046 net with strong 55.5% graduation rates and competitive acceptance rates of 50.7%. California State University-Fullerton delivers excellent 69.2% graduation rates for $5,646 annually. Northern Marianas College provides strong value at $2,795 with 42.2% completion rates. These schools balance affordability with academic success better than alternatives showing similar net costs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.