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Public universities deliver remarkable value in Family and Consumer Sciences Business Services, with University of Georgia leading at just $13,816 net cost while maintaining an 87% graduation rate. The $27,210 cost gap between the most affordable public option and Syracuse University's $41,026 reveals stark pricing differences across institution types. Students earn between $35,594 and $53,775 after graduation, reflecting the field's connection to consumer goods companies, retail chains, and family service organizations that anchor regional economies. Texas alone houses multiple affordable programs, with Stephen F Austin State University offering in-state tuition under $11,000. Private institutions like Madonna University at $17,815 net cost bridge the public-private divide, while acceptance rates ranging from 42% to 90% show varying selectivity across programs that prepare graduates for roles in product development, consumer research, and family financial planning services.
16
Programs
$13,816 – $45,450
Net Price Range
$40,464
Avg. Program Earnings
66.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
2 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
3 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
4 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
5 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
6 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
7 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
8 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
9 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
10 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
11 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
12 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
13 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $39,778 $28,024 40.5%
15 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
16 $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.

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