Human Development, Family Studies, at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Central Methodist's Human Development program hits right at Missouri's median for starting earnings, placing at the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable middle-of-the-pack position. The $32,588 first-year salary sits just below the national median, but graduates carry about $1,750 less debt than typical nationally, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. What's notable is the earnings trajectory: the 13% growth to nearly $37,000 by year four suggests graduates find their footing and advance reasonably well after those initial entry-level positions.

The program essentially delivers what you'd expect from a regional Missouri school serving a student body where 37% receive Pell grants. You're not getting premium outcomes—earnings trail University of Missouri-Columbia only slightly—but you're also not taking on outsized debt for the field. For families considering this career path, understand that human development and family studies typically leads to social services, counseling, or educational support roles that start modestly but offer steady growth and meaningful work rather than high salaries.

The real question is opportunity cost: if your student is set on this field and committed to staying in Missouri, Central Methodist provides adequate preparation at a reasonable price. Just ensure they're genuinely passionate about the career path, since the starting salary will require careful budgeting even with moderate debt loads.