Human Development, Family Studies, at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

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.