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Human Development Colleges Under $20,000

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

Berea College stands apart with a net cost of just $4,483 despite charging nearly $50,000 in tuition, making it the most affordable option after financial aid for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services programs. This field typically leads to careers earning between $16,394 and $28,790, with graduates working in social services, family counseling, and community organizations that serve millions of American families annually. The cost gap between public and private institutions becomes stark when comparing Berea's unique model to Ohio University's regional campuses, where net costs hover around $5,000 but graduation rates drop to concerning levels below 20% at some locations. California State Universities dominate the middle range with net costs between $5,646 and $6,480, while University of Florida offers the highest earning potential at $28,790 with an impressive 91.5% graduation rate. These programs prepare students for roles in child development centers, family resource programs, and social service agencies that address growing needs in areas like aging population support and early childhood intervention services.
50
Programs
$3,138 – $11,504
Net Price Range
$27,737
Avg. Program Earnings
46.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,138 $7,696 50.0% 63.8%
2 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
10 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
11 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
12 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
16 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
17 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
18 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
19 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
20 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
21 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
22 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
23 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
24 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
25 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
26 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
27 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
28 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
29 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
30 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
31 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
32 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
33 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
34 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
35 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
36 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
37 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
38 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
39 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
40 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
41 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
42 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
43 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
44 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
45 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
46 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
47 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
48 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
49 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
50 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so affordable despite its high sticker price?

Berea College operates a unique work-study model where all students receive substantial financial aid, reducing the net cost to $4,483 from a listed tuition of $49,326. Students work on campus to help cover educational expenses while developing practical skills. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate and accepts only 24.58% of applicants. This model has made quality education accessible for over 160 years.

How do earnings compare between different types of institutions in this field?

University of Florida graduates earn the highest at $28,790 annually, while California State University-San Bernardino graduates average $21,508. Ohio University regional campus graduates face higher debt loads of $26,147 but specific earning data isn't available for these locations. Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduates earn $23,649 with more manageable debt of $16,045.

Is the low graduation rate at Ohio University regional campuses a concern?

Ohio University's regional campuses show troubling graduation rates, with Lancaster at 13.7% and Chillicothe at 12.1%. These rates are significantly lower than the main campus programs and suggest students may struggle with the commuter campus environment. Eastern Campus performs better at 20%, but all regional locations carry the same $26,147 average debt load. Students should carefully consider support services available at these locations.

Does California offer the best value for Human Development programs?

California State Universities provide solid middle-ground options with net costs between $5,646 and $6,480. CSU-Fullerton offers the best combination with 69.2% graduation rates and $27,764 average earnings. CSU-Fresno has the highest acceptance rate at 95.43% with a 54.8% graduation rate. These schools serve large student populations and maintain strong connections to California's extensive social services sector.

Where can students find the most selective programs in this field?

University of Florida represents the most competitive option with a 23.35% acceptance rate and strong 91.5% graduation rate. Berea College accepts 24.58% of applicants and offers its unique work-study model. University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras accepts 51.59% with a 52.5% graduation rate at a remarkably low $6,507 net cost. These selective programs typically provide stronger career outcomes and alumni networks.

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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.