Cheapest Human Development Colleges in Ohio

Gods Bible School and College stands out with a remarkable net cost of just $3,138 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services students, making it Ohio's most affordable option by a wide margin. The cost gap between this Cincinnati institution and the next cheapest public option creates an unusual pricing market where a private nonprofit undercuts state universities by more than $1,000. Ohio University's five regional campuses dominate the affordable tier with net costs between $4,503 and $6,483, though their graduation rates hover around 20%. The state's strong healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, creates steady demand for family services professionals who understand community health dynamics. While most programs cluster under $21,000 in net costs, earnings potential ranges from $29,443 to $32,854, reflecting the field's focus on service over salary. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps bridge remaining cost gaps for qualifying students.

Programs

$3,138 – $27,662

Net Price Range

$31,298

Avg. Program Earnings

47.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Gods Bible School and College Cincinnati, Ohio	$3,138	$7,696	50.0%	63.8%
2	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503	$6,178	20.0%
3	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328	$6,178	19.3%
4	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971	$6,178	17.7%
5	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133	$6,178	13.7%
6	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483	$6,178	12.1%
7	Kent State University at Stark North Canton, Ohio	$11,310	$7,272	37.3%
8	Kent State University at Salem Salem, Ohio	$11,593	$7,272	28.2%
9	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
10	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
11	Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio	$17,430	$36,298	49.5%	96.3%
12	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
13	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
14	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
15	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, Ohio	$20,918	$14,081	62.8%	78.7%
16	Ashland University Ashland, Ohio	$21,994	$28,910	60.6%	71.8%
17	University of Mount Union Alliance, Ohio	$22,539	$35,400	64.9%	75.8%
18	Franklin University Columbus, Ohio	$22,605	$9,577	30.3%
19	Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, Ohio	$23,987	$32,630	77.1%	66.7%
20	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Gods Bible School and College so affordable compared to other Ohio programs?

Gods Bible School and College offers a net cost of $3,138, which is $1,365 less than the next cheapest option at Ohio University-Eastern Campus. The private nonprofit structure allows for significant internal subsidies that drive down student costs. Despite the low price, the school maintains a 63.79% acceptance rate and 50% graduation rate. This pricing model reflects the institution's mission-driven approach to education.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare in cost and outcomes?

Five Ohio University regional campuses offer Human Development programs with net costs ranging from $4,503 to $6,483. However, graduation rates at these campuses range from just 12.1% to 20%, significantly lower than the main Athens campus's 66.4% rate. All regional campuses share the same $26,147 average debt load and $32,854 earnings potential. Students pay similar tuition but face different academic support structures at each location.

Does Ohio State University justify its higher cost for this major?

Ohio State's $18,292 net cost is offset by an strong 87.7% graduation rate, the highest among all programs listed. Graduates earn $32,536 annually, near the top of the range, while carrying relatively low debt at $19,076. The Columbus location provides access to state government internships and major healthcare systems. The 52.72% acceptance rate indicates selective admission standards.

What career opportunities exist for Human Development graduates in Ohio?

Ohio's major healthcare employers like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center hire family services specialists for patient support roles. The state's manufacturing presence, including companies like Honda, creates demand for employee assistance programs and workplace family services. Earnings range from $29,443 to $32,854 across different institutions and career paths. Government agencies at state and local levels also provide steady employment opportunities.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private options?

Bluffton University represents the private sector with a $17,430 net cost, falling in the middle range despite a $36,298 sticker price. Most public options cluster between $11,000 and $21,000 in net costs, with Ohio University regional campuses offering the lowest public prices. Private costs become more reasonable after financial aid, with Bluffton's 96.29% acceptance rate suggesting accessibility. The $3,138 option at Gods Bible School shows private institutions can sometimes beat public pricing.

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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.