Human Development, Family Studies, at Delgado Community College

Delgado's Human Development program faces a troubling debt problem that overshadows its otherwise reasonable trajectory. While graduates earn about $22,000 initially—actually performing better than most Louisiana programs in this field at the 60th percentile statewide—they're carrying nearly $38,000 in debt. That's 2.6 times the national median for associate degree programs in this field and creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.74, meaning graduates owe nearly twice their first-year salary.

The earnings picture itself isn't terrible. The 38% growth to nearly $30,000 by year four suggests graduates find their footing in early childhood education or social services roles. For a community college serving a majority Pell-eligible population, these outcomes represent genuine opportunity. The problem is the debt level, which sits in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with less debt.

This disconnect suggests something went wrong with financial aid packaging or borrowing decisions. At this debt level, graduates will struggle with standard repayment plans even as their earnings improve. If your child can complete this program with significantly less borrowing—through scholarships, working while studying, or family support—the career path makes sense. But taking on the typical debt load here would turn a manageable credential into a financial burden that could take a decade to resolve.