Human Development, Family Studies, at Bowie State University

Bowie State's Human Development program lands right at the national median for earnings, but that masks an important in-state reality: it ranks in just the 40th percentile among Maryland programs. With first-year earnings of $34,257, graduates earn slightly less than peers at Stevenson University and lag considerably behind University of Maryland-College Park's $41,157. The debt burden of $26,125 is manageable at 76% of first-year income, though it's higher than the state median of $23,312.

The program shows solid earning trajectory, with 25% growth by year four pushing salaries to $42,778. This upward movement is encouraging and suggests the field rewards experience. For a family-focused field that often leads to social services or education careers, these numbers are reasonable—neither exceptional nor alarming.

The key question is whether in-state alternatives might offer better outcomes. If University of Maryland-College Park is an option, the $7,000 higher starting salary could justify the additional effort for admission. However, for students who thrive at a more accessible institution—Bowie State's 84% admission rate and high percentage of Pell recipients suggest a supportive environment—the outcomes here are solid enough to build a stable career, particularly given the encouraging earnings growth over time.