Location: Columbus, OH•In-State Tuition: $9,577
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,792
Est. from OH median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (38 programs)

Analysis

For a family considering a bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies at Franklin, the debt burden looks manageable but the earnings picture requires realistic expectations. Similar programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,800, which tracks closely with the national median for this field. Combined with an estimated debt load of $26,000, that produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary, which falls within a reasonable range for college debt.

The challenge lies in the earning potential itself rather than the debt structure. While Franklin's program appears to perform at the state median, even the top-performing Ohio University campuses in this field report graduates earning just under $39,000—only about $2,200 more annually. This consistency across institutions suggests the degree opens doors to careers with relatively compressed salary ranges, at least in the early years. For context, these earnings sit just above the national median for this major, so Ohio graduates aren't at a geographic disadvantage.

Parents should understand that this degree typically leads to rewarding but modestly-paying work in social services, education support, or family advocacy. The debt won't be crushing, but neither will the paycheck provide substantial financial cushion early on. If your student is passionate about supporting families and communities, this program offers a viable path—just ensure they're entering it with clear eyes about the financial trajectory ahead.

Where Franklin University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Franklin University (estimated ±10%)Other human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Franklin UniversityColumbus$9,577$36,792*—$26,000*—
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$38,973*$40,855$27,000*0.69
National Median—$33,543*—$25,000*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Franklin University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.