Human Development, Family Studies, at Brigham Young University

BYU's Human Development and Family Studies program stands out for one clear advantage: remarkably low debt at $11,250, well below both the state median ($15,500) and national median ($25,000). For families worried about borrowing, this program keeps costs contained. However, that benefit comes alongside notably weak earnings—graduates earn around $25,000 in their first year, placing this program in just the 5th percentile nationally. That's $8,200 below the national median for this field.

The Utah comparison reveals a troubling pattern. While BYU's debt is the lowest among state programs, its earnings trail significantly behind Weber State ($35,861) and the University of Utah ($35,467)—schools where graduates earn roughly 40% more. Even among Utah's six Human Development programs, BYU ranks near the bottom at the 40th percentile. The slight earnings decline from year one to year four suggests limited career progression in the immediate term.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 is manageable compared to many programs, but that's cold comfort when absolute earnings hover around $25,000—barely above poverty level for a family of four. Unless your child plans to pair this degree with graduate school or has strong financial support for living expenses, the combination of bottom-tier earnings and limited growth makes this a risky investment, even with lower debt. Consider whether the other Utah programs might offer better career prospects.