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Best Value Human Development Colleges

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

California State University-East Bay produces Human Development graduates earning $39,119 annually despite a net cost of $11,276, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios in the field. This earning potential reflects the growing demand for family services professionals in California's expanding social services sector, where state agencies and nonprofit organizations compete for qualified specialists. University of Florida stands out with a 91.50% graduation rate at just $6,351 net cost, though its 23.35% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive. The field benefits from increasing federal funding for family support programs, with the Administration for Children and Families expanding community-based services nationwide. California dominates affordable options, placing six schools in the top rankings, while regional variations show significant differences in both cost structures and career outcomes across different state higher education systems.
50
Programs
$5,646 – $19,692
Net Price Range
$30,134
Avg. Program Earnings
56.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,646 $27,764 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
2 $6,351 $28,790 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $5,825 $23,456 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
4 $8,896 $33,459 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
5 $6,352 $23,649 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
6 $5,918 $21,508 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
7 $6,747 $23,745 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
8 $8,900 $31,133 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
9 $7,599 $26,536 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
10 $11,276 $39,119 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
11 $8,931 $30,650 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
12 $8,463 $28,055 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
13 $11,429 $35,060 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
14 $10,948 $31,856 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
15 $11,504 $33,459 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
16 $10,170 $28,932 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
17 $10,550 $29,775 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
18 $10,512 $29,493 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
19 $9,962 $27,126 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
20 $11,750 $30,771 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
21 $10,980 $28,598 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
22 $13,853 $35,861 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
23 $12,202 $31,495 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
24 $9,144 $23,579 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
25 $13,339 $33,459 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
26 $10,997 $27,533 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
27 $11,609 $28,598 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
28 $12,188 $29,685 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
29 $12,714 $30,771 $14,520 99.2%
30 $19,692 $47,260 $21,316 12.7%
31 $14,059 $33,459 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
32 $15,590 $36,815 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
33 $13,801 $32,467 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
34 $13,782 $32,391 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
35 $15,201 $35,701 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
36 $9,104 $21,117 $8,400 53.2%
37 $14,693 $33,993 $6,152 26.3%
38 $12,909 $29,685 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
39 $7,131 $16,394 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
40 $15,152 $34,650 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
41 $13,945 $31,616 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
42 $14,401 $32,634 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
43 $14,745 $33,281 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
44 $12,932 $29,141 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
45 $12,209 $27,114 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
46 $16,334 $35,594 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
47 $13,741 $29,322 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
48 $10,722 $22,627 $6,391 43.0%
49 $14,609 $30,520 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
50 $13,172 $26,997 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,611 difference between the highest and lowest earning graduates?

California State University-East Bay graduates earn $39,119 compared to $21,508 at CSU-San Bernardino, reflecting regional job market differences and program specializations. East Bay's location near Oakland and San Francisco provides access to higher-paying positions in urban social services and corporate family programs. The salary gap also corresponds to different career tracks, with some programs emphasizing clinical family therapy while others focus on community education roles.

How does University of Florida achieve both low cost and high graduation rates?

Florida maintains a $6,351 net cost while achieving a 91.50% graduation rate through strong state funding and selective admission practices with only 23.35% acceptance. The university's established support systems and research opportunities in family studies help retain students through degree completion. Florida's growing population creates steady demand for family services professionals, motivating students to finish their programs.

Is the debt burden manageable given typical starting salaries in this field?

Most programs show reasonable debt-to-earnings ratios, with schools like CSU-Fullerton averaging $12,500 debt against $27,764 earnings. However, Purdue University Northwest presents challenges with $26,298 average debt compared to $28,055 earnings, creating a concerning debt burden. The national average student loan payment would consume roughly 15-20% of typical graduate incomes in this field.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in family studies programs?

The data shows mixed patterns, with University of Florida achieving 91.50% graduation at low cost while Kentucky State University reaches only 27.10% despite moderate expenses. California schools demonstrate that affordable education can produce solid outcomes, with CSU-Fullerton and CSU-Long Beach both exceeding 69% graduation rates. Program support services and student demographics often matter more than price alone.

Where do graduates find the best job markets for family studies careers?

California's Bay Area and Connecticut's proximity to Hartford insurance companies and New York social services create premium opportunities, explaining higher earnings at CSU-East Bay and UConn campuses. Texas shows growing demand with moderate costs, while Florida's expanding senior population drives family services employment. Regional variations reflect state funding for social programs and local nonprofit sector strength.

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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.