Best Value Human Development Colleges in Ohio

Ohio University's regional campuses create the most striking affordability contrast in human development education, with net costs as low as $4,503 at the Eastern Campus compared to $27,662 at Miami University-Oxford. This $23,000 gap reflects different institutional models serving Ohio's family service sector. The state's 20 programs produce graduates earning between $29,443 and $32,854 annually, positioning them well for roles at major healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, both significant employers of family specialists and child development professionals. Ohio's manufacturing heritage has evolved to include substantial healthcare and social services infrastructure, creating steady demand for human development graduates. Regional campus options provide accessible pathways into this field, though graduation rates vary dramatically from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 87.7% at Ohio State's main campus.

Programs

$3,138 – $27,662

Net Price Range

$31,298

Avg. Program Earnings

47.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$30,277	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
2	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$32,536	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
3	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$32,854	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
4	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$30,467	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
5	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, Ohio	$20,918	$29,443	$14,081	62.8%	78.7%
6	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$32,213	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
7	University of Mount Union Alliance, Ohio	$22,539		$35,400	64.9%	75.8%
8	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877		$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
9	Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, Ohio	$23,987		$32,630	77.1%	66.7%
10	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971		$6,178	17.7%
11	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133		$6,178	13.7%
12	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328		$6,178	19.3%
13	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483		$6,178	12.1%
14	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503		$6,178	20.0%
15	Kent State University at Salem Salem, Ohio	$11,593		$7,272	28.2%
16	Kent State University at Stark North Canton, Ohio	$11,310		$7,272	37.3%
17	Gods Bible School and College Cincinnati, Ohio	$3,138		$7,696	50.0%	63.8%
18	Franklin University Columbus, Ohio	$22,605		$9,577	30.3%
19	Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio	$17,430		$36,298	49.5%	96.3%
20	Ashland University Ashland, Ohio	$21,994		$28,910	60.6%	71.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost differences between Ohio's human development programs?

Regional campuses offer the lowest costs, with Ohio University's Eastern Campus at $4,503 net price compared to $27,662 at Miami University-Oxford. Public universities generally range from $5,328 to $20,918 in net costs, while private options like Franciscan University cost $23,987. These differences reflect institutional resources, campus locations, and available financial aid packages.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Ohio?

Higher-cost programs typically show better completion rates, with Miami University achieving 81.8% graduation at $27,662 net cost versus regional campuses averaging under 20%. Ohio State combines reasonable costs ($18,292) with the highest graduation rate at 87.7%. This pattern suggests additional student support services at more expensive institutions.

Is the earnings potential consistent across Ohio's human development programs?

Graduate earnings remain relatively stable across institutions, ranging from $29,443 to $32,854 annually. Ohio University graduates earn the highest at $32,854, while Bowling Green graduates start at $29,443. This narrow $3,400 range suggests employer focus on skills rather than institutional prestige when hiring family services professionals.

Does student debt vary significantly among Ohio's programs?

Debt levels range from $19,076 at Ohio State to $28,500 at the University of Akron among reporting schools. Most Ohio University regional campuses and several main campuses carry $26,000-$26,147 in typical debt. These amounts represent manageable obligations given the $30,000+ earning potential in Ohio's growing healthcare and social services sector.

Where do acceptance rates create the best admission opportunities?

Most Ohio programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Kent State at 88.02% and Ohio University at 86.52% offering excellent admission prospects. Even Miami University accepts 87.92% of applicants despite higher costs. Only Franciscan University shows more selectivity at 66.65%, while Ohio State's 52.72% rate reflects broader university competitiveness rather than program-specific requirements.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

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

All Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs Best Colleges in Ohio Best Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services in Ohio

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.