Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Colleges Under $20,000

Family and Consumer Sciences programs show a striking earnings gap, with Purdue graduates earning $40,896 compared to just $35,594 at the University of Georgia despite similar net costs around $13,800. Public universities dominate this field with eight of nine affordable options, reflecting the discipline's roots in land-grant education. The hospitality and retail sectors across the U.S. increasingly value graduates who understand consumer behavior and family financial management, creating steady demand for these interdisciplinary skills.

Programs

$13,816 – $19,568

Net Price Range

$38,145

Avg. Program Earnings

64.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
2	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
3	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
4	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
5	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
6	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
7	Madonna University Livonia, Michigan	$17,815	$27,360	58.1%	64.8%
8	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
9	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $5,302 earnings difference between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Purdue's location in Indiana's manufacturing corridor and strong industry partnerships contribute to higher starting salaries of $40,896. Geographic factors and employer networks significantly impact earning potential, with programs near major consumer goods companies typically offering better compensation.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 46.4% at Carson-Newman to 87.2% at the University of Georgia, a 40-point difference. Public research universities generally show higher completion rates, with UGA, Purdue, and Oregon State all exceeding 70%.

Is private education worth the premium for this major?

Only two private schools make the affordable list, with Madonna University costing $17,815 and Carson-Newman at $18,661. Both show lower graduation rates than comparable public options, making state universities the clear value choice for budget-conscious students.

More Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Rankings

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