Human Development, Family Studies, at California State University-San Marcos

Cal State San Marcos graduates with this degree start at $31,184—slightly below both the California median ($31,950) and national median ($33,543) for human development programs. More concerning is that this program ranks in just the 30th percentile nationally and 40th within California, while carrying debt levels in the 95th percentile (meaning only 5% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 is manageable, but students here are taking on near-median debt for below-median outcomes.

The earnings trajectory offers some optimism: graduates see 24% income growth by year four, reaching $38,622. That's meaningful progress in a field where early earnings are typically modest. However, compare this to California State University-East Bay, where the same degree yields starting salaries above $41,000, or even Cal State Monterey Bay at $34,000. At San Marcos, you're paying similar tuition for outcomes that lag behind peer CSU campuses.

For families considering this program, recognize that human development careers often prioritize mission over money—but even within that context, this program underperforms. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, many attendees can't afford to accept bottom-third outcomes in their field. If your child is committed to this career path, stronger programs exist within the CSU system that deliver better return on the same investment.