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Manor College stands out as Pennsylvania's most affordable option for Human Development programs at just $16,521 net cost, while Chestnut Hill College charges nearly double at $29,944. This $13,423 spread reflects significant variation across 11 programs in a state where healthcare and social services drive major employment. Pennsylvania's aging population and UPMC's status as the state's largest employer create steady demand for family studies graduates. Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers the strongest value proposition for public education at $17,216 net cost with a 52.4% graduation rate, while private institutions like Messiah University achieve 78.5% completion rates at higher price points.
11
Programs
$16,521 – $29,944
Net Price Range
$26,883
Avg. Program Earnings
58.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,521 $19,964 24.4% 93.2%
2 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
5 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
6 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
7 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
8 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
9 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
10 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
11 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Manor College the most affordable option for Human Development studies?

Manor College charges just $16,521 in net costs, nearly $700 less than the next cheapest program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The school maintains a 93.21% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants seeking affordable family studies education.

How do graduation rates compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Manor College graduates 24.4% of students despite its low cost, while Chestnut Hill College at $29,944 achieves only 56.1% completion. Messiah University leads with 78.5% graduation rates at $27,686 net cost, showing higher prices don't always guarantee better outcomes.

Do graduates earn enough to justify program costs in Pennsylvania?

Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $26,585 annually with $26,881 in debt, while Messiah University graduates make $27,181 with $27,000 debt. Both programs offer similar debt-to-income ratios despite different price points.

Where can students find the best value among private colleges?

Geneva College offers competitive value at $21,043 net cost with a 61.5% graduation rate and 79.05% acceptance rate. Westminster College provides the highest graduation rate among affordable private options at 65.9% for $20,800 annually.

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