Human Development, Family Studies, (Bachelor's Degree) at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Median Earnings (1yr)

$32,175

38th percentile

40th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$26,000

4% above national median

Analysis

Bowling Green's Human Development and Family Studies program sits right in the middle of the pack—not a standout, but not a red flag either. Graduates start at $32,175, which falls slightly below both the national median ($33,543) and noticeably under Ohio's typical earnings for this field ($36,792). Among Ohio's 21 programs, this lands near the 40th percentile, meaning graduates from similar programs at Ohio University campuses earn about $7,000 more annually. The debt load of $26,000 is fairly typical, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1:1.

The positive here is steady earnings growth—23% over four years brings graduates to nearly $40,000, which begins closing the gap with higher-performing programs. With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers are reliable. For a family seeking value in-state, this program delivers predictable but modest outcomes. Students passionate about family services will find stable career paths, though Ohio offers stronger options if earnings potential is a priority. The moderate debt burden won't be crushing, but this isn't a program where financial returns alone justify the investment—it's for students genuinely committed to the field.

Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	$32,175	$39,427	+23%
Ohio State University-Main Campus	$34,610	$44,071	+27%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus	$38,973	$40,855	+5%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus	$38,973	$40,855	+5%
Ohio University-Southern Campus	$38,973	$40,855	+5%

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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green	$14,081	$32,175	$39,427	$26,000	0.81
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-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville	$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-Main CampusAthens	$13,746	$38,973	$40,855	$27,000	0.69
National Median	—	$33,543	—	$25,000	0.75

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 Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 108 graduates with reported earnings and 144 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.