16 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
|
$13,816 | $11,180 | 87.2% | 42.6% |
| 2 |
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
|
$13,853 | $9,711 | 64.9% | 66.2% |
| 3 |
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, Indiana
|
$13,945 | $9,992 | 83.1% | 52.7% |
| 4 |
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
|
$15,152 | $10,600 | 51.7% | 89.5% |
| 5 |
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
|
$17,424 | $10,108 | 65.8% | 78.6% |
| 6 |
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bend, Oregon
|
$17,722 | $12,594 | 51.2% | 79.0% |
| 7 |
Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
|
$17,815 | $27,360 | 58.1% | 64.8% |
| 8 |
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
|
$18,661 | $34,700 | 46.4% | 79.8% |
| 9 |
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
|
$19,568 | $13,494 | 70.6% | 82.5% |
| 10 |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
|
$20,332 | $12,896 | 66.9% | 90.8% |
| 11 |
Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
|
$23,572 | $39,680 | 72.1% | 75.1% |
| 12 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia
|
$23,790 | $15,478 | 86.3% | 57.0% |
| 13 |
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$27,313 | $45,538 | 71.2% | 76.5% |
| 14 |
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, California
|
$39,778 | $28,024 | 40.5% | |
| 15 |
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York
|
$41,026 | $63,061 | 81.4% | 51.8% |
| 16 |
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, Georgia
|
$45,450 | $40,595 | 70.5% | 81.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes University of Georgia's program such good value at $13,816?
Georgia combines low net costs with strong outcomes, posting an 87% graduation rate that ranks among the highest for affordable programs. Students carry just $18,375 in debt while earning $35,594 after graduation. The 42% acceptance rate indicates selective admission standards that maintain program quality despite the affordable price point.
How do public universities compare to private options for affordability?
Public universities dominate the most affordable tier, with eight of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions. The University of Houston costs $13,853 while private Syracuse University reaches $41,026, creating a $27,173 price difference. However, private Madonna University at $17,815 proves some private schools can compete on cost.
Is the $18,627 earnings gap between top and bottom significant?
Syracuse University graduates earn $53,775 compared to $35,594 at Georgia, reflecting different career trajectories and regional job markets. Virginia Tech graduates earn $43,426 with strong placement in consumer research and product development roles. The earnings range shows how location, specialization, and industry connections affect starting salaries in this field.
Where do graduation rates vary most among affordable programs?
Graduation rates span from 40% at Academy of Art University to 87% at University of Georgia, showing dramatic quality differences. Purdue maintains 83% graduation rates at just $13,945 net cost, proving affordability doesn't require sacrificing outcomes. Stephen F Austin's 51% rate at $15,152 suggests students should weigh completion likelihood against low costs.
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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.