Best Colleges for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services programs prepare students for careers supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. With 156 schools offering this major nationwide, graduates typically earn around $29,570 annually in entry-level positions. When evaluating programs, students should prioritize hands-on learning opportunities through internships and fieldwork experiences. Look for curricula that cover child development, family strongs, and community resources. Strong programs also emphasize research methods and data analysis skills essential for evidence-based practice. Consider schools with established partnerships with local social service agencies, schools, and healthcare facilities, as these connections often lead to valuable internship placements and career opportunities after graduation.

Schools Ranked

$35,874

Avg. Program Earnings

60.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Southwestern Christian University Bethany, Oklahoma	$47,260	12.7%	private-nonprofit
2	California State University-East Bay Hayward, California	$39,119	45.5%	public
3	Concordia University Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$38,491	50.0%	private-nonprofit
4	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$38,491	64.3%	private-nonprofit
5	Pacific Oaks College Pasadena, California	$37,883		private-nonprofit
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$36,815	88.6%	public
7	Hope International University Fullerton, California	$36,141	45.7%	private-nonprofit
8	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$36,134	60.3%	private-nonprofit
9	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$35,861	64.9%	public
10	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois	$35,701	84.9%	public
11	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, North Dakota	$35,594	63.7%	public
12	Goodwin University East Hartford, Connecticut	$35,060	58.3%	private-nonprofit
13	Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, New Hampshire	$35,060	44.9%	private-nonprofit
14	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$35,060	37.2%	public
15	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$34,704	90.0%	private-nonprofit
16	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$34,650	51.7%	public
17	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$34,526	38.1%	public
18	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$34,399	67.5%	public
19	University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia	$33,993	26.3%	public
20	University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont	$33,993	78.6%	public
21	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, New Hampshire	$33,815	76.4%	public
22	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$33,726	59.6%	public
23	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$33,459	83.8%	public
24	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$33,459	93.3%	private-nonprofit
25	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$33,459	59.5%	public