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Best Value Human Development Colleges in Illinois

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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands apart in Illinois with graduates earning $35,701 annually, nearly $6,000 more than the next highest program while maintaining a reasonable net cost of $15,201. This earnings advantage reflects strong demand for human development specialists in Illinois, where healthcare systems, social services, and educational institutions across Chicago and downstate communities actively recruit family studies professionals. The state's 10 programs show dramatic cost variation, from University of Illinois Chicago's $12,313 net price to Rockford University's $23,066, yet earnings potential varies less dramatically across institutions.
10
Programs
$12,313 – $23,572
Net Price Range
$29,997
Avg. Program Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $35,701 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $12,909 $29,685 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $16,157 $32,032 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
4 $23,066 $30,771 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
5 $21,539 $21,798 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
6 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
9 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
10 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the top value choice?

UIUC graduates earn $35,701 annually with a net cost of $15,201, creating the best return on investment among Illinois programs. The university combines this earning power with an 84.90% graduation rate, significantly higher than most alternatives in the state.

How do public universities compare to private options for affordability?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs while private institutions range from $16,157 to $23,572. However, University of Illinois Chicago offers the lowest net price at $12,313, making it exceptionally affordable for in-state students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Illinois?

Not necessarily. UIUC has the highest graduation rate at 84.90% with moderate costs, while expensive programs like Rockford University show only 38.30% graduation rates. Northern Illinois University demonstrates that affordable education can still present completion challenges with a 49.60% rate.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Illinois?

Chicago's healthcare networks, social service agencies, and educational systems provide the most opportunities, supported by the state's MAP Grant program that helps students afford these career-focused degrees. Graduates also find positions in community health centers and family service organizations throughout Illinois.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

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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.