How To Pay For a Human Resources Degree

A human resources (HR) bachelor's degree can lead to career paths in almost any industry. The role of a human resources professional requires knowledge of staffing, employee relations, and employment law. An HR career focuses on the people who make a business possible, guiding professionals from hiring and onboarding through their own career paths.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the HR field will have 6% job growth by 2032, about double the growth rate for all careers. Students looking to get into this growing career path might have questions about paying for their degree. Multiple financial aid options are available to aspiring HR professionals working towards undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

What Is the Average Cost of a Human Resources (HR) Degree Program?

Human resources degrees are available at multiple levels, allowing graduates to pursue different career paths, ranging from entry-level roles to HR management. Earning an HR degree from an accredited university will also allow you to pursue advanced credentials, like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional certificate or the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute.

Each type of degree comes with different costs, though they're most commonly associated with the time it takes a student to complete it. The cost varies depending on whether your degree program is completed at a community college or state university. Finally, online HR degree programs can also provide more affordable options.

Associate Degree

Human resources management associate degrees are two-year programs, most commonly earned online or through community colleges. An average associate degree program ranges from about $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the school. These total costs include textbooks, other supplies, housing, and more.

This degree will prepare graduates for entry-level positions, such as benefits administration, HR generalist, and compliance assistant. Graduates can use their degrees as transfer credits to continue their education at a university.

Bachelor's Degree

An HR bachelor's degree program is usually the minimum degree required to pursue advanced credentials, such as the SHRM-CP. An on-campus bachelor's degree can cost students anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 yearly. Online HR bachelor's degree programs are generally more affordable, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $16,000 yearly.

Master's Degree

Students who complete a master's degree program will have access to more positions within the HR field and more opportunities for specialization and higher certifications. The average total cost of a master's is about $40,000.

Most students complete their master's degrees after a bachelor's degree, so you'll also need to consider those costs when evaluating your total education investment. Additionally, some schools offer accelerated master's degree programs, such as a Master of Business Administration in human resources, which can affect total costs.

Tips for Paying for a Human Resources Program

Working in human resources requires problem-solving skills and figuring out how to pay for your degree is often a problem. There are several tips you should consider before pursuing your human resource management degree.

1. Complete the FAFSA

You should file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for any degree program. Your FAFSA results will establish your eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants and scholarships.

The government allocates these free money programs based on financial need, providing additional resources based on factors, such as total family income and expected family contribution. All students with a high school diploma are eligible to submit their FAFSA, but, not all students will qualify for the same awards as the eligibility requirements can vary depending on the form of assistance.

Learn more: Scholarships vs. Grants

2. Explore Scholarships for Human Resources Majors

Privately offered scholarships can be awarded to students in specific degree programs. Human resources majors can pursue scholarships for their field of study. Scholarship programs are more competitive than grants, but these targeted scholarships will narrow the total pool of applicants.

Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship

The Walter Vaughn Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students pursuing human resources or similar degrees. This scholarship is open to all, but there is a priority for minority students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students with a 3.0 GPA.

HR Leadership Awards

The Society of Human Resource Management Foundation (SHRM) awards different scholarship programs for students in various HR degree programs, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. These initiatives are awarded to students with an active SHRM membership and a 3.0 GPA.

3. Discover Human Resources Degree Fellowships

Undergraduate students usually complete an internship to satisfy their degree requirements. Graduate students can pursue fellowships. Unlike most internships, fellowships are paid. Students can apply these payments to graduate school costs while gaining real-world experience with decision-making, talent management, organizational behavior, and HR information systems.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a Fulbright Exchange program that enables international students to pursue training and development programs with U.S.-based business partners. This program requires students to be eligible citizens of certain nations, have an undergraduate degree, and have a minimum of five years of experience in their field.

Harvard University's Administrative Fellowship Program

Harvard University's Administrative Fellowship Program (AFP) gives established professionals opportunities to grow their careers. This program is subdivided into resident and visiting fellowships. The AFP is especially targeted toward members of underrepresented groups and minorities seeking professional development.

Columbia University's Human Resource Fellowship Program

The Human Resource Fellowship Program at Columbia University is for graduates of Master's Programs in Human Resources Management (HRM), Labor Relations, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related field. This is a full-time, year-long fellowship. This program involves training in hiring and employee benefit allocation in a real healthcare work environment.

4. Look for Student Loans

Student loans are a commonly used as a financing option for college. Loans are categorized as either private or federal loans.

All loans require repayment, usually starting a few months after graduation. Students should treat loans as a last resort due to the long-term debt that comes with them. Apply all free money programs first and use student loans sparingly.

5. Consider a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs are coordinated through your school and the Department of Education. These programs allow students to develop competencies in a real work environment while earning a paycheck they can apply to their school costs.

Is a Human Resources Degree Worth the Cost?

A human resources degree is worth it for most students. A bachelor's degree or a master's degree is often a requirement for most HR jobs and certifications. You might be able to earn some entry-level positions without a degree, but career advancement will be limited without one.

What Can You Do With a Human Resources Degree?

Human resources degrees open multiple career paths. A human resource management team includes multiple specialist roles, especially at larger companies.

Human Resources Manager

A HR manager is responsible for coordinating and leading the HR team. They are responsible for labor law compliance, staffing, and more. This role blends leadership, data analytics, and legal compliance knowledge.

Human Resources Specialist

Human resource specialists are HR professionals who have a single job focus, usually done at a high level. These roles include payroll and benefits, employee policy management, and more. Some specialists choose a specialty in the field, but most choose their specialty through a degree or post-graduate certification program.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Recruiting new employees who adhere to company culture and benefit the work environment of a company is a special skill within HR. Talent Acquisition Specialists require a special skill set to evaluate candidates through the specific lenses of their company.