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Cheapest Human Development Colleges

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

Berea College stands as an extraordinary exception in Human Development, Family Studies education, offering a $4,483 net price while charging $49,326 in sticker tuition through its unique work-study program that covers most costs. This creates a dramatic price gap compared to other affordable options like Gods Bible School and College at $3,138 or the Ohio University regional campuses averaging around $5,500. The field connects directly to America's growing need for family support specialists, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth in community and social service occupations through 2032. California dominates the affordable public options, with Cal State Fullerton, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino offering strong programs under $6,000 net cost. University of Florida delivers strong value at $6,351 with a 91.5% graduation rate, while earnings data reveals significant variation from $16,394 to $28,790 depending on location and specialization focus.
50
Programs
$3,138 – $11,504
Net Price Range
$27,737
Avg. Program Earnings
46.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,138 $7,696 50.0% 63.8%
2 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
10 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
11 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
12 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
16 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
17 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
18 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
19 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
20 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
21 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
22 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
23 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
24 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
25 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
26 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
27 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
28 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
29 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
30 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
31 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
32 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
33 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
34 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
35 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
36 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
37 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
38 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
39 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
40 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
41 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
42 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
43 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
44 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
45 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
46 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
47 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
48 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
49 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
50 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive tuition difference between Berea College and other affordable programs?

Berea College charges $49,326 in sticker price but delivers a $4,483 net cost through its no-tuition promise funded by endowment and required work-study. Students work 10-15 hours weekly in campus jobs that cover educational expenses. This contrasts sharply with public options like Ohio University regional campuses that keep costs low through state funding and reduced overhead. The model makes Berea accessible despite its private status while maintaining a 62% graduation rate.

How do California State University campuses compare for Human Development programs?

Cal State Fullerton leads with the strongest combination of affordability ($5,646 net) and outcomes, including 69.2% graduation rate and $27,764 average earnings. San Bernardino offers the lowest barriers with 91.08% acceptance rate at $5,918 net cost, while Bakersfield falls between at $5,825 with 49.3% graduation rate. All three campuses serve California's large family services sector, which employs over 180,000 social and human service workers statewide.

Is University of Florida worth the slightly higher cost compared to other public options?

University of Florida justifies its $6,351 net price through strong outcomes including 91.5% graduation rate and $28,790 average earnings, the highest in this price range. The 23.35% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that often correlates with stronger career preparation and alumni networks. Florida's growing population creates steady demand for family development professionals, with median salaries exceeding national averages in metropolitan areas like Miami and Orlando.

Does geographic location significantly impact earning potential in this field?

Earnings vary dramatically from $16,394 to $28,790 across these programs, often reflecting regional cost of living and service demand. University of Florida graduates average $28,790 in a state with growing family service needs, while Cal State Fullerton shows $27,764 in expensive California markets. Southeastern Oklahoma State graduates earn $23,649 in a lower-cost region. Location affects both starting salaries and advancement opportunities in government and nonprofit sectors.

Where do Ohio University regional campuses fit among affordable Human Development options?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with identical $6,178 in-state tuition but varying net costs from $4,503 to $6,483 based on financial aid distribution. However, graduation rates concern potential students, ranging from just 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus. The $26,147 average debt burden across campuses exceeds many comparable programs, making careful financial planning essential despite the low sticker price.

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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.