Human Resources Management and Services graduates enter a growing field focused on recruiting, training, and supporting employees across industries. With 185 schools offering this major nationwide, students have numerous options to develop essential skills in employment law, organizational behavior, and strategic planning.
When evaluating programs, look for curricula that emphasize hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and HR certification preparation. Strong programs also feature faculty with industry experience and partnerships with local businesses for networking opportunities. Graduates typically earn an average starting salary of $44,382, with advancement potential into management roles as they gain experience. The best programs balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for immediate workplace contributions in this people-centered profession.
When evaluating programs, look for curricula that emphasize hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and HR certification preparation. Strong programs also feature faculty with industry experience and partnerships with local businesses for networking opportunities. Graduates typically earn an average starting salary of $44,382, with advancement potential into management roles as they gain experience. The best programs balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for immediate workplace contributions in this people-centered profession.
25
Schools Ranked
$57,742
Avg. Program Earnings
66.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate
Top 25 Schools
| # | School | Median Earnings | Graduation Rate | School Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
|
$76,995 | 95.9% | private-nonprofit |
| 2 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
|
$69,338 | 95.1% | private-nonprofit |
| 3 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
$67,101 | 93.2% | public |
| 4 |
Benedictine University
Lisle, Illinois
|
$63,005 | 51.0% | private-nonprofit |
| 5 |
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
|
$63,005 | 82.2% | public |
| 6 |
Colorado State University Global
Aurora, Colorado
|
$59,193 | public | |
| 7 |
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
|
$58,673 | 64.5% | private-nonprofit |
| 8 |
Waldorf University
Forest City, Iowa
|
$58,390 | 29.0% | private-forprofit |
| 9 |
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|
$57,995 | 79.8% | private-nonprofit |
| 10 |
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
|
$57,860 | 82.2% | private-nonprofit |
| 11 |
Trinity International University-Florida
Miami, Florida
|
$57,556 | private-nonprofit | |
| 12 |
Trinity International University-Illinois
Deerfield, Illinois
|
$57,556 | 45.7% | private-nonprofit |
| 13 |
Bethel University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
|
$57,318 | 75.2% | private-nonprofit |
| 14 |
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
|
$56,415 | 47.4% | private-nonprofit |
| 15 |
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
|
$55,512 | 55.3% | private-nonprofit |
| 16 |
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, Michigan
|
$54,035 | 56.6% | public |
| 17 |
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$53,567 | 33.3% | private-forprofit |
| 18 |
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, Oklahoma
|
$53,537 | 48.8% | private-nonprofit |
| 19 |
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
|
$53,358 | 76.9% | private-nonprofit |
| 20 |
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
|
$53,108 | 80.2% | private-nonprofit |
| 21 |
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
|
$52,107 | 64.6% | private-nonprofit |
| 22 |
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
$52,107 | 50.0% | private-nonprofit |
| 23 |
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
|
$52,107 | public | |
| 24 |
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
|
$52,107 | 64.3% | private-nonprofit |
| 25 |
Bryant University
Smithfield, Rhode Island
|
$51,612 | 80.6% | private-nonprofit |
Browse all Human Resources Management and Services programs →
Cost & Value
Related Guides
See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.