Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at California State University-Northridge

Cal State Northridge's Family and Consumer Sciences program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a solid state school option—middle-of-the-pack earnings with remarkably manageable debt. Starting at $34,000 and climbing to $42,000 by year four represents a 24% earnings boost that outpaces many similar programs nationally, landing graduates in the 68th percentile for this field.

The debt picture is where this program shines. At $17,000, graduates owe about $10,000 less than the national median and just slightly more than other California programs. That 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe roughly six months of their first year's salary—a comfortable starting point for any career. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters.

However, context is crucial here: Family and Consumer Sciences isn't a high-earning field anywhere. Even top California programs in this major barely crack $36,000 in starting salary. If your child is passionate about this work—which often leads to careers in education, social services, or community health—Northridge offers a responsible path forward. The combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes this a practical choice, just not a lucrative one. Your child should enter this field for the mission, not the paycheck, but at least they won't be drowning in debt while pursuing it.