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

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

Berea College stands out among Family and Consumer Sciences programs by offering a net price of just $4,483 despite a sticker price of $49,326, making quality education accessible through its unique work-study model. The field spans from Ohio's regional campuses with graduation rates around 20% to California State universities achieving over 50% completion rates. Family and Consumer Sciences graduates enter a growing national market focused on nutrition counseling, family services, and consumer advocacy, with federal agencies like the USDA and state extension services actively recruiting professionals who understand both human development and resource management. Earnings range from $19,455 to $31,529 across programs, with California State University-Long Beach graduates commanding the highest salaries at $31,529. Public institutions dominate affordable options, with several Ohio University regional campuses offering net prices below $7,000, though their completion rates require careful consideration.
50
Programs
$3,138 – $14,159
Net Price Range
$28,071
Avg. Program Earnings
47.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,138 $7,696 50.0% 63.8%
2 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
8 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
9 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
10 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
11 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
12 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
13 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
14 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
15 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
16 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
17 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
18 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
19 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
20 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
21 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
22 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
23 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
24 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
25 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
26 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
27 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
28 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
29 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
30 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
31 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
32 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
33 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
34 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
35 $12,091 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
36 $12,174 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
37 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
38 $12,391 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
39 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
40 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
41 $13,198 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
42 $13,308 $8,078 38.1%
43 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
44 $13,778 $8,605 46.9% 98.6%
45 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
46 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
47 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
48 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
49 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
50 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic price difference between Berea College and other private options?

Berea College operates on a work-study model where all students work on campus to offset educational costs. While the published tuition reaches $49,326, the actual net price drops to $4,483 through this program. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate while serving students who might otherwise be priced out of private education. This makes Berea competitive with public institutions despite its private status.

How do Ohio University regional campuses compare for affordability and outcomes?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with net prices between $4,503 and $6,483, making them extremely affordable options. However, graduation rates range from just 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus, significantly below four-year institution averages. These campuses primarily serve students seeking associate degrees or planning to transfer. The low completion rates reflect the challenges many regional campus students face balancing education with work and family obligations.

Is California State University-Long Beach worth the higher cost for this major?

Cal State Long Beach justifies its $8,931 net price through strong outcomes, including a 69.9% graduation rate and median earnings of $31,529. Graduates earn approximately $6,000 more annually than those from Cal State Fresno, which costs $2,000 less per year. The program benefits from proximity to Los Angeles area employers in healthcare, social services, and consumer research. Student debt averages $12,956, reasonable given the earning potential.

Does acceptance rate indicate program competitiveness in Family and Consumer Sciences?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically, from Berea College's selective 24.58% to Cal State Fresno's open 95.43% admissions. College of the Ozarks accepts just 21.13% of applicants, reflecting its unique no-tuition model rather than academic selectivity alone. Eastern New Mexico University admits only 27.55% despite moderate costs, suggesting either geographic limitations or specific program requirements. Most public universities maintain acceptance rates between 40% and 90%, indicating generally accessible admission standards.

Where do Family and Consumer Sciences graduates typically find employment?

Graduates work across government agencies, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations focused on family services and consumer protection. The USDA Cooperative Extension Service employs specialists in nutrition education and family resource management in every state. Healthcare systems hire family life educators and patient advocates, while state and local governments need consumer protection specialists. Private sector opportunities include corporate wellness programs, financial planning firms, and research organizations studying consumer behavior patterns.

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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.