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Cheapest Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

New Mexico State University stands out with a net price of just $6,747 for Family and Consumer Economics programs, nearly $10,000 less than most comparable options nationwide. This dramatic cost advantage reflects the state's commitment to affordable higher education in fields that directly serve families and communities. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, with graduates from University of Georgia earning $43,798 annually compared to University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates at $27,846. Family and Consumer Economics professionals find strong demand across the Southwest, where growing populations need specialists in financial counseling, nutrition education, and family resource management. The region's mix of urban centers and rural communities creates varied career paths from corporate wellness programs to community development organizations. Graduation rates vary significantly among these affordable options, from Tennessee State's 33% to University of Georgia's impressive 87.2%, suggesting that cost alone shouldn't drive program selection.
30
Programs
$6,747 – $25,321
Net Price Range
$36,919
Avg. Program Earnings
61.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
2 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
3 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
5 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
6 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
7 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
8 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
9 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
10 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
11 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
12 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
13 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
14 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
15 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
16 $16,488 $8,302 59.8% 86.0%
17 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
18 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
19 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
20 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
21 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
22 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
23 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
24 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
25 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
26 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
27 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
28 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
29 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
30 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Mexico State University the cheapest option for Family and Consumer Economics?

New Mexico State University offers the lowest net price at $6,747, with in-state tuition of just $8,147. The university serves a high percentage of students receiving financial aid, and New Mexico's lower cost of living contributes to reduced overall expenses. The program maintains a 52.2% graduation rate while keeping costs minimal through efficient resource allocation.

How much do graduation rates vary among affordable Family and Consumer Economics programs?

Graduation rates span from 33% at Tennessee State University to 87.2% at University of Georgia among these affordable options. Mid-range performers include Middle Tennessee State at 54% and Texas State University at 56.2%. The variation often correlates with admission selectivity, as University of Georgia accepts only 42.55% of applicants while Tennessee State accepts a much broader pool.

Is the earnings difference between programs worth considering higher costs?

University of Georgia graduates earn $43,798 annually despite a net cost of $13,816, while University of Hawaii graduates earn $27,846 with similar costs of $13,181. Arizona State University offers a middle ground with $32,648 earnings at $13,670 net cost. The $16,000 annual earnings difference can justify modest cost increases over a career span.

Does student debt burden vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Student debt ranges from $18,750 at University of Georgia to $28,500 at Virginia State University among schools reporting this data. Arizona State University maintains relatively low debt at $20,000 despite strong earnings potential. Tennessee State University graduates carry $28,250 in debt, which may be challenging given the lower starting salaries of $30,771.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and strong outcomes?

University of Georgia offers strong value with 87.2% graduation rates, $43,798 earnings, and moderate debt of $18,750 at $13,816 net cost. Arizona State University provides another strong option with 67.8% graduation rates and $32,648 earnings for $13,670. Both schools balance affordability with career preparation better than ultra-low-cost options with weaker outcomes.

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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.