Human Services at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Services, General
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,799/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #31 of 84 Human Services, General programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Northeastern's Human Services program leverages the university's strong reputation and its prime Boston location, which are key drivers behind the robust career outcomes. The city is a hub for diverse non-profits, healthcare systems, and social policy organizations, offering a rich ecosystem for hands-on learning. Crucially, Northeastern's renowned co-op program allows you to gain significant, paid professional experience within these organizations, often leading to full-time offers or accelerated career progression. This direct exposure to real-world challenges and professional networks helps explain why graduates frequently move into management or specialized roles rather than remaining in assistant positions. To maximize your potential, proactively seek co-op placements that align with your long-term leadership aspirations, as these early experiences are invaluable for shaping your path in this impactful field.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $592K $591K $555K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 68% 57%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,248
32% growth from Year 1

About Northeastern University

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Northeastern University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northeastern University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeastern University's Human Services program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Human Services. 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 →