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University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the state's most affordable Human Development, Family Studies program at just $10,904 net cost, creating an $15,505 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. Michigan's growing healthcare and social services sectors provide strong employment opportunities for graduates, with the state's aging population driving demand for family support specialists and community program coordinators. Earnings data reveals significant variation across programs, ranging from $28,381 at Central Michigan to $32,284 at Rochester University. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six of the seven cheapest programs offered by state institutions. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 annually for in-state students, making already affordable public programs even more accessible for Michigan residents pursuing careers in family services and human development.
17
Programs
$10,904 – $26,409
Net Price Range
$31,330
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
4 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
5 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
6 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
7 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
8 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
9 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
10 $18,700 $19,990 25.9%
11 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
12 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
13 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
14 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
15 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
16 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
17 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide cost difference between Michigan's Human Development programs?

The $15,505 gap between University of Michigan-Dearborn ($10,904) and the most expensive programs reflects the public versus private divide. Six of the seven most affordable options come from public universities, while private institutions like Aquinas College ($18,902) and Spring Arbor University ($20,899) charge significantly more. State funding allows public universities to offer lower net costs, especially for in-state residents.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Michigan?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Michigan State University leading at 82.20% graduation rate despite its $20,751 net cost. However, University of Michigan-Dearborn proves the exception, combining the lowest cost ($10,904) with a solid 56.60% graduation rate. Great Lakes Christian College shows the concerning trend of low completion (25.90%) despite moderate pricing ($18,700).

Does Michigan's job market justify the investment in Human Development degrees?

Graduate earnings range from $28,381 to $32,284, reflecting Michigan's growing need for family services professionals as the automotive industry workforce ages. The state's expanding healthcare sector and community support programs create stable employment opportunities. However, debt loads vary significantly, from $22,617 at Spring Arbor to $39,157 at Baker College, making cost-conscious program selection important.

Where do Michigan residents get the best value for Human Development studies?

University of Michigan-Dearborn offers strong value at $10,904 net cost with competitive academic standards (54.10% acceptance rate). Ferris State University provides strong regional employment connections in Big Rapids for $12,202, while Northern Michigan University in Marquette combines low in-state tuition ($13,304) with reasonable graduation rates (50.80%). The Michigan Achievement Scholarship further reduces costs for qualified state residents.

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