Location: Bluffton, OH•In-State Tuition: $36,298•Admission Rate: 61%•Avg SAT: 1020
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,792
Est. from OH median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (38 programs)

Analysis

A $26,000 debt load for a degree that leads to roughly $37,000 in first-year earnings represents a challenging but not impossible financial equation. Based on comparable Human Development and Family Studies programs in Ohio, graduates in this field typically face debt-to-earnings ratios around 0.71—meaning the debt equals about 71% of their first-year salary. While this isn't as severe as some helping professions where debt can exceed annual income, it still means significant monthly loan payments on an entry-level salary.

The estimated earnings align closely with what similar programs produce statewide and actually edge slightly above the national median of $33,543. However, this field rarely offers dramatic salary growth in early career years, and many roles—whether in social services, child development, or family support—come with modest compensation regardless of where you earn your degree. The debt figure appears slightly below Ohio's state median of $27,000, which offers some cushion, but Bluffton's smaller program size means we're working entirely with estimates here rather than actual graduate outcomes.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether the career path justifies borrowing at this level. If your child is committed to human services work and has explored the realistic salary ranges in their target roles, this program's estimated financial profile sits squarely in the middle of what Ohio offers. But if they're still exploring options or uncertain about the career trajectory, that $26,000 in debt will follow them whether or not they stay in the field.

Where Bluffton University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Bluffton University (estimated ±10%)Other human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bluffton UniversityBluffton$36,298$36,792*—$26,000*—
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
National Median—$33,543*—$25,000*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bluffton University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.