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Best Value Human Development Colleges in Texas

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

The University of Texas Permian Basin delivers Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services education for just $9,144 net cost, yet graduates earn only $23,579 annually. This creates an unusual changing among Texas programs where the most affordable option produces the lowest earnings. On the opposite end, Baylor University charges $41,942 but graduates earn just $25,194, making it one of the poorest value propositions in the state. Public universities dominate the value market, with nine of the top ten most affordable programs coming from state institutions. Texas graduates enter a healthcare workforce that ranks second nationally in size, with major employers like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White actively recruiting family services professionals. The state's medical infrastructure, anchored by Houston's Texas Medical Center, creates steady demand for human development specialists across clinical, community, and educational settings.
25
Programs
$6,500 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$31,276
Avg. Program Earnings
51.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,429 $35,060 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
2 $10,948 $31,856 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
3 $13,853 $35,861 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
4 $9,144 $23,579 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
5 $12,714 $30,771 $14,520 99.2%
6 $15,152 $34,650 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
7 $14,352 $28,960 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
8 $16,438 $31,820 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
9 $20,071 $34,399 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
10 $19,678 $32,391 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
11 $27,401 $30,771 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
12 $41,942 $25,194 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
13 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
14 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
16 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
17 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
18 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
19 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
20 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
21 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
22 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
23 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
24 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
25 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between public and private programs?

Public universities in Texas charge between $6,500 and $20,071 net cost, while private institutions range from $20,498 to $41,942. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers the lowest net cost at $6,500, making it nearly seven times less expensive than Baylor University at $41,942. State funding allows public universities to subsidize tuition significantly for residents. Private schools often provide more personalized attention but at substantially higher costs.

How do graduation rates vary across price points?

The University of Texas at Austin achieves an 87.6% graduation rate despite charging $19,678 net cost, proving that higher costs can correlate with better completion rates. However, Texas Woman's University graduates 44.2% of students for just $10,948, showing affordable options can still produce reasonable outcomes. Private universities like Baylor reach 80.2% graduation rates but charge double what top public programs cost. The most affordable program, UT Rio Grande Valley at $6,500, graduates 49.3% of students.

Is there a connection between program cost and starting salaries?

University of Houston graduates earn $35,861 annually after paying $13,853 in net costs, creating the best earnings-to-cost ratio in the state. Baylor University demonstrates the inverse, where graduates earn only $25,194 despite paying $41,942 for their education. Lamar University provides strong value with graduates earning $35,060 after just $11,429 in costs. The data shows no clear correlation between higher tuition and better salary outcomes in Texas human development programs.

Does student debt vary significantly between public and private schools?

Texas public university graduates typically carry $18,500 to $21,500 in debt, while private school graduates often exceed $26,000. University of Houston graduates manage just $20,000 in debt while earning top salaries at $35,861. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley keeps debt low at $19,677 despite being the most affordable program. Abilene Christian University graduates carry $26,000 in debt, reflecting the higher borrowing needs at private institutions.

Where do Texas graduates find the most job opportunities?

Houston's Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, employs thousands of human development professionals across clinical and support roles. Major healthcare systems like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White recruit graduates for family services, patient advocacy, and community outreach positions. The state's second-largest healthcare workforce creates opportunities in both urban centers and rural communities. Texas Tomorrow Fund and TEXAS Grant programs help in-state students access these career paths affordably.

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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.