Skip to main content

Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

New Mexico State University delivers the nation's most affordable Family and Consumer Economics program at just $6,747 net cost, creating a dramatic $11,362 savings gap compared to the most expensive option on this list. The field connects directly to America's $1.8 trillion retail industry, where consumer behavior analysts and family financial counselors help households navigate everything from mortgage decisions to sustainable purchasing. University of Georgia graduates command the highest starting salaries at $43,798, nearly $16,000 above the Hawaii graduates despite similar program costs around $13,000. Public universities dominate this space because state extension services have historically housed family economics research and outreach programs. Students study consumer psychology, family financial planning, and household resource management while preparing for roles in financial counseling, retail analysis, and community education. The 20 programs span acceptance rates from Georgia's selective 42.55% to Virginia State's open 89.72%, giving students multiple entry points into this field that bridges personal finance expertise with social science research.
25
Programs
$6,747 – $19,889
Net Price Range
$35,338
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
2 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
3 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
5 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
6 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
7 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
8 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
9 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
10 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
11 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
12 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
13 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
14 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
15 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
16 $16,488 $8,302 59.8% 86.0%
17 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
18 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
19 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
20 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
21 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
22 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
23 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
24 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
25 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $11,362 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

New Mexico State University offers the lowest net cost at $6,747 while Texas State University tops the list at $16,438, primarily due to varying state funding levels and living costs. New Mexico's lower cost of living and strong state support for public education create significant savings. Both schools provide similar program quality, but geographic location drives the price variation. Students can save over $38,000 across four years by choosing New Mexico State over higher-cost options.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

University of Georgia and University of Maryland achieve graduation rates above 87% while charging around $13,000-$15,000 net cost, proving that mid-range pricing often delivers the best outcomes. Tennessee State University costs just $10,026 but graduates only 33% of students, while Arizona State graduates 67.8% at $13,670. The data suggests spending between $13,000-$16,000 annually typically yields the strongest completion rates. Schools below $11,000 often struggle with retention challenges.

Where do Family and Consumer Economics graduates earn the most after graduation?

University of Georgia graduates earn $43,798 starting salaries, significantly outpacing the $27,846 earned by University of Hawaii graduates despite similar program costs. Texas State University produces graduates earning $39,214, while Arizona State graduates start at $32,648. Geographic job markets play a major role, with Georgia's strong financial services sector and Texas's retail headquarters boosting earning potential. The $15,952 salary gap between top and bottom earners reflects regional economic differences more than program quality.

Is student debt manageable for graduates in this field?

Arizona State University graduates carry just $20,000 in debt while earning $32,648, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio of 61%. University of Georgia graduates earn $43,798 with $18,750 in debt, achieving an even stronger 43% ratio. However, Tennessee State graduates face challenges with $28,250 debt against $30,771 earnings, creating a concerning 92% debt-to-income ratio. The field generally produces reasonable debt levels when students choose schools strategically.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Family and Consumer Economics?

University of Georgia maintains the most selective admissions at 42.55% acceptance while producing the highest graduate earnings at $43,798, suggesting correlation between selectivity and outcomes. University of Maryland accepts 44.61% and achieves an 88.6% graduation rate, reinforcing this pattern. However, Arizona State accepts 89.75% yet graduates 67.8% and produces solid $32,648 earners, proving that less selective programs can still deliver strong results. Acceptance rates below 50% typically indicate stronger academic preparation requirements and peer networks.

More Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Rankings

Cheapest Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Best Value Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies

Related

All Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.