Human Services, General at Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,811/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #67 of 84 Human Services, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Services, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $427K $429K $420K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.4x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 68% 57%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$124,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,060
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,811 track close to the $37,292 national median for Human Services, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 26% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $13,000 in median debt against $34,811 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #67 out of 84 programs, Lees-McRae College's financial outcomes for Human Services, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 817 in Banner Elk, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Lees-McRae College →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940/yr
Social and human service assistants $45,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Services, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lees-McRae College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lees-McRae College's Human Services, General program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Human Services, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →