Best Value Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Colleges

Syracuse University commands the highest earnings at $53,775 for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services graduates, but charges $41,026 in net costs. This reflects the field's growth in corporate wellness programs and consumer analytics roles across major metropolitan markets. Public universities deliver remarkable value, with Purdue at just $13,945 net cost producing $40,896 earners and University of Georgia graduates earning $35,594 for $13,816. The 16-program market spans from $13,816 to $45,450 in costs, with earnings ranging $35,060 to $53,775. Regional economic centers increasingly demand professionals who understand consumer behavior, family financial planning, and business applications of human sciences. Virginia Tech graduates earn $43,426 while paying $23,790, demonstrating how selective public programs balance affordability with career outcomes in this evolving field.

Programs

$13,816 – $45,450

Net Price Range

$40,464

Avg. Program Earnings

66.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$40,896	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
2	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$38,018	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
3	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$35,594	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$38,108	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$38,108	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
6	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$43,426	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
7	Bradley University Peoria, Illinois	$23,572	$41,193	$39,680	72.1%	75.1%
8	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026	$53,775	$63,061	81.4%	51.8%
9	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia	$45,450	$35,060	$40,595	70.5%	81.7%
10	Academy of Art University San Francisco, California	$39,778		$28,024	40.5%
11	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332		$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
12	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313		$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
13	Madonna University Livonia, Michigan	$17,815		$27,360	58.1%	64.8%
14	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424		$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
15	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661		$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
16	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152		$10,600	51.7%	89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $18,000 earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

Syracuse University graduates earn $53,775 compared to $35,060 at Savannah College of Art and Design, reflecting different career paths within the field. Syracuse's higher costs at $41,026 net typically lead to corporate consulting and consumer research roles. Geographic factors matter significantly, with programs near major business centers commanding higher starting salaries. The 83% graduation rate at Purdue versus 40% at Academy of Art also indicates program quality differences that affect long-term earnings.

How do public universities compare to private options for value?

Public programs dominate the value equation, with Purdue, Houston, and Georgia all under $14,000 net cost while producing $35,594 to $40,896 earners. Private Bradley University costs $23,572 for $41,193 earnings, showing competitive outcomes. However, Syracuse justifies its $41,026 cost with $53,775 earnings and an 81% graduation rate. In-state students at Virginia Tech pay just $15,478 for access to $43,426 earning potential.

Does graduation rate predict earning potential in this field?

Programs with 80%+ graduation rates generally produce higher earners, with Syracuse at 81% earning $53,775 and Georgia at 87% earning $35,594. Purdue combines an 83% graduation rate with strong $40,896 earnings for strong value. However, Academy of Art's 40% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could affect career prospects. Virginia Tech's 86% graduation rate paired with $43,426 earnings demonstrates how selective admissions create better outcomes.

Where do graduates find the best job markets for this degree?

Syracuse's $53,775 earnings reflect New York's consumer research and corporate wellness sectors that value family sciences expertise. Houston's energy and healthcare industries support $38,018 earnings for University of Houston graduates at just $13,853 cost. Virginia Tech's $43,426 earnings benefit from proximity to Washington DC's government consulting opportunities. Georgia's $35,594 earnings serve Atlanta's growing consumer analytics market, while Purdue graduates earn $40,896 in the Midwest's corporate training sector.

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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.