Human Services at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Services, General
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,487/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 84 Human Services, General programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your strong showing in Human Services from Western Washington reflects the program's practical orientation and the robust demand for social service professionals in the Pacific Northwest. Bellingham itself, and the broader Puget Sound region, boasts a significant ecosystem of non-profits, community health organizations, and government agencies that actively recruit graduates. The program's generalist approach equips you with a versatile skillset, making you adaptable to various roles from case management to program coordination. Employers value the hands-on experience often integrated into the curriculum, which prepares students for the realities of the field. To maximize your post-graduation prospects, actively seek out internships and volunteer opportunities throughout your degree, as these experiences are crucial for building your professional network and gaining specific expertise within a chosen service area.

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 $508K $507K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.7x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 68% 57%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 46 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,357
25% growth from Year 1

About Western Washington University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Western Washington University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington 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 Western Washington University's Human Services program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Human Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Western Washington University rank so high for Human Services?
The #9 ranking out of 84 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →