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Cheapest Human Services Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Florida State College at Jacksonville stands out with an extraordinarily low $2,760 net price for Human Services programs, making it nearly three times cheaper than some California State options. The cost spread across these 20 affordable programs ranges dramatically from Florida's rock-bottom pricing to still-reasonable $8,918 options. Northern Marianas College achieves a solid 42.20% graduation rate despite its remote Pacific location, while CUNY John Jay College combines criminal justice expertise with human services training at $3,046 net cost. Human services professionals increasingly find work in healthcare systems, social service agencies, and community organizations as the sector responds to aging populations and mental health awareness. California dominates the list with three Cal State campuses, reflecting the state's massive social services infrastructure and nonprofit sector employment opportunities. Ohio University's regional campuses cluster in the middle price range but show concerning graduation rates below 21%, suggesting students should weigh cost savings against completion likelihood.
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 price difference between Florida State College and other programs?

Florida State College at Jacksonville charges just $2,760 net price compared to $5,646 at Cal State Fullerton, a difference of nearly $3,000 annually. As a state college rather than university, it operates with lower overhead costs and focuses on associate degrees and certificates. Florida's aggressive financial aid programs also help reduce net costs for in-state students. The 32.40% graduation rate suggests the low price comes with completion challenges students should consider.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable options?

Graduation rates span from 12.10% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 69.20% at Cal State Fullerton, showing dramatic quality differences. The Ohio University regional campuses consistently underperform with rates below 21%, while California State schools maintain respectable completion rates above 46%. CUNY John Jay achieves 55.50% despite its urban setting and $3,046 price point. Students should factor these completion odds into their total education investment calculations.

Is the earning potential worth the investment at these price points?

CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $37,363 annually while carrying just $8,025 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. The general earnings range of $25,967 to $37,363 for human services graduates means even the lowest salaries can handle debt from these affordable programs. With net prices below $9,000, most graduates can expect to recoup their investment within two to three years. The field's growth in healthcare and social services suggests stable employment prospects.

Does location significantly impact program costs and opportunities?

Geographic clustering reveals clear cost patterns, with Florida and Ohio offering the lowest net prices while California charges premium rates even at state schools. Northern Marianas College at $2,795 proves that remote locations can deliver affordable education with reasonable 42.20% graduation rates. Urban programs like CUNY schools provide access to extensive internship networks and social service agencies. Rural options may cost less but offer fewer field placement opportunities essential for human services training.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and quality?

CUNY John Jay College delivers the optimal combination with $3,046 net cost, 55.50% graduation rate, and location in a major social services center. Cal State Fullerton justifies its higher $5,646 price with an impressive 69.20% graduation rate and California's extensive nonprofit sector. Northern Marianas College offers surprising value at $2,795 with 42.20% completion rates despite geographic isolation. Students should avoid Ohio University regional campuses where graduation rates below 20% suggest systemic completion problems.

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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.