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Best Value Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY Queens College delivers the nation's most affordable Family and Consumer Sciences program at just $3,830 net cost, proving that quality education doesn't require financial strain. Students earning degrees in this field prepare for careers spanning nutrition counseling, family services, and consumer advocacy,sectors experiencing growth as government agencies and nonprofits expand community outreach programs. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans over $23,000, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates earning $42,682 compared to Berea College's $19,455. California dominates the affordable options, claiming six of the top eight spots with net costs below $13,000. Public universities clearly lead this space, offering substantial savings over private alternatives while maintaining strong job placement rates. The 60% graduation rate at Queens College paired with its low debt load of $10,750 demonstrates how students can complete degrees without overwhelming financial burden, entering a field where consumer protection agencies and family service organizations actively recruit qualified professionals.
50
Programs
$3,830 – $22,150
Net Price Range
$29,482
Avg. Program Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,830 $27,295 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
2 $4,483 $19,455 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
3 $6,199 $25,194 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
4 $6,480 $25,658 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $7,599 $29,685 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
6 $8,931 $31,529 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
7 $10,512 $35,318 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
8 $12,882 $36,488 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
9 $9,055 $25,194 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
10 $11,592 $31,914 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
11 $10,299 $27,874 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
12 $11,800 $29,685 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
13 $11,024 $27,435 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
14 $17,216 $42,682 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
15 $12,174 $30,119 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
16 $11,779 $28,236 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
17 $12,091 $28,236 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
18 $14,159 $32,620 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
19 $11,679 $26,187 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
20 $12,391 $27,439 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
21 $15,898 $34,217 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
22 $10,980 $23,456 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
23 $14,035 $29,882 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
24 $18,833 $40,017 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
25 $16,025 $33,993 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
26 $18,165 $38,289 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
27 $14,207 $29,685 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
28 $14,532 $28,500 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
29 $14,093 $27,407 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
30 $15,152 $28,960 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
31 $15,028 $28,682 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
32 $11,432 $21,508 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
33 $13,809 $25,889 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
34 $20,332 $37,671 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
35 $18,996 $34,381 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
36 $18,609 $33,192 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
37 $15,015 $26,353 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
38 $17,478 $29,685 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
39 $17,218 $28,598 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
40 $16,775 $26,715 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
41 $14,850 $23,456 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
42 $20,261 $31,719 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
43 $20,071 $30,554 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
44 $18,889 $28,598 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
45 $20,015 $29,685 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
46 $15,501 $22,989 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
47 $17,053 $25,194 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
48 $19,740 $29,141 $9,940 28.5% 53.9%
49 $22,150 $30,554 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
50 $19,734 $26,896 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Queens College such an strong value for this major?

Queens College charges just $3,830 net cost while maintaining a 60.20% graduation rate and keeping average debt at $10,750. Graduates earn $27,295 annually, creating a strong return on investment. The school's location in New York provides access to numerous family service agencies and consumer protection organizations that actively hire program alumni.

How do California State Universities compare in terms of value and outcomes?

Six California State campuses appear in the top rankings, with net costs ranging from $6,480 to $12,882. Long Beach leads in graduation rates at 69.90% while Sacramento graduates earn the highest salaries at $35,318. These schools benefit from California's solid social services sector and consumer advocacy organizations that create strong job markets.

Is there a significant difference between public and private program costs?

Berea College stands as the only private institution in these rankings at $4,483 net cost, though its graduates earn just $19,455 annually. Public universities dominate with much lower costs and generally higher earnings. The 14 public schools average around $10,000 in net costs while delivering better financial outcomes for graduates.

Does geographic location affect earning potential in this field?

Regional variation shows significant impact, with Pennsylvania graduates earning $42,682 compared to Kentucky's $19,455. California and Illinois programs produce mid-range earners around $30,000 annually. States with larger government social service departments and established consumer protection agencies typically offer better salary prospects for program graduates.

Where can students find the best balance of low cost and high graduation rates?

Cal State Long Beach offers the ideal combination with a $8,931 net cost and 69.90% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options. CUNY Queens College follows closely with lower costs but slightly lower completion rates at 60.20%. These schools maintain strong academic support while keeping expenses manageable for working students.

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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.