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Best Value Human Development Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's nine Human Development and Family Studies programs show remarkable cost efficiency, with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro offering the lowest net cost at $10,170 while delivering solid earnings of $28,932. UNC Charlotte graduates earn the highest median salary at $33,281, reflecting strong demand in the state's growing healthcare and social services sectors. The state's aging population and family support initiatives create steady employment opportunities for graduates across counseling, child development, and community health organizations.
9
Programs
$10,170 – $25,876
Net Price Range
$28,148
Avg. Program Earnings
56.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $28,932 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $10,980 $28,598 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
3 $14,745 $33,281 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
4 $16,514 $25,049 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
5 $20,197 $29,995 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
6 $16,487 $23,034 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
7 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
8 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
9 $25,876 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between programs?

UNC Charlotte graduates earn $33,281 compared to Appalachian State's $23,034, a difference of over $10,000 annually. Charlotte's proximity to major healthcare systems and corporate family assistance programs likely drives higher starting salaries. Geographic location plays a significant role in compensation for human services professionals.

How do graduation rates compare across price points?

Appalachian State achieves the highest graduation rate at 73.1% with a moderate net cost of $16,487. Meanwhile, the three most expensive private schools all show graduation rates below 43%. This suggests public universities provide better support systems for degree completion in this field.

Is debt load manageable for Human Development graduates?

Most programs keep debt reasonable, with UNC Charlotte graduates carrying just $23,000 in debt against $33,281 earnings. However, North Carolina A&T graduates face higher debt at $31,000 with earnings of $28,598. The debt-to-income ratios remain workable across all programs.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

Cheapest Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services in North Carolina Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Under $20,000 in North Carolina

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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.