Housing and Human Environments Colleges Under $20,000

Brigham Young University produces Housing and Human Environments graduates earning $63,855 annually, nearly double the field's national average, while charging just $14,487 in net costs. This stark contrast highlights how program selection can dramatically impact career earnings in a field where interior designers, family counselors, and housing specialists serve growing markets across the Mountain West and beyond. Ohio University's regional campuses dominate the most affordable options, with Eastern Campus charging only $4,503 net annually, though graduation rates hover around 20%. The field connects directly to America's housing shortage crisis, where experts in residential planning, family services, and community development find steady employment with nonprofits, government agencies, and private firms. CUNY New York City College of Technology offers another compelling path at $4,783 net cost while producing graduates earning $52,107 in the nation's largest housing market.

Programs

$4,503 – $19,889

Net Price Range

$47,219

Avg. Program Earnings

52.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Housing and Human Environments Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503	$6,178	20.0%
2	CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, New York	$4,783	$7,332	19.4%	81.8%
3	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328	$6,178	19.3%
4	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971	$6,178	17.7%
5	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133	$6,178	13.7%
6	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483	$6,178	12.1%
7	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
8	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
9	Brigham Young University Provo, Utah	$14,487	$6,496	82.2%	66.7%
10	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
11	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
12	University of Nevada-Reno Reno, Nevada	$15,402	$8,994	62.4%	85.6%
13	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
14	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378	$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
15	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
16	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
17	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
18	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529	$23,400	69.6%
19	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
20	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Brigham Young University's $63,855 graduate earnings versus the $37,856 field minimum?

BYU's program connects students to Utah's booming construction and family services sectors, where housing specialists command higher salaries. The university's career network and internship partnerships with major employers contribute to graduate success. At $14,487 net cost, BYU delivers strong return on investment. The school's 82.2% graduation rate also indicates strong academic support systems.

How do Ohio University's regional campus costs compare to graduation outcomes?

Ohio University's Eastern Campus charges just $4,503 net annually but graduates only 20% of students. Southern Campus costs $5,328 with 19.3% graduation rates, while Lancaster runs $6,133 with 13.7% completion. These low costs attract students, but completion challenges suggest academic or financial barriers. The shared $25,683 debt load across campuses indicates consistent financial aid packages.

Is CUNY New York City College of Technology worth considering for this major?

CUNY NYC College of Technology offers strong value at $4,783 net cost while producing graduates earning $52,107 annually. The Brooklyn location provides access to the nation's largest housing market with abundant internships and job opportunities. The 81.8% acceptance rate makes admission accessible. However, the 19.4% graduation rate requires careful consideration of academic preparedness.

Does University of Georgia justify its $13,816 net cost for this program?

Georgia's 87.2% graduation rate ranks among the highest for this major, suggesting strong student support and program quality. Graduates earn $44,928 annually with only $19,679 in debt, creating manageable loan payments. The 42.55% acceptance rate indicates competitive admission standards. Georgia's growing population and construction industry provide ample career opportunities for housing specialists.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Housing and Human Environments?

Graduates work as interior designers, family life educators, and housing counselors with nonprofits, government agencies, and private firms. The current housing affordability crisis creates demand for housing specialists and community development professionals. Family services organizations hire graduates for counseling and education roles. Many find positions with real estate companies, architectural firms, and social service agencies nationwide.

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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.