Human Development, Family Studies, at Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific's Human Development program sits in an interesting middle ground: it outperforms the California median by $7,000 annually while keeping debt manageable at $24,549. For a program serving primarily first-generation college students (59% receive Pell grants), these outcomes represent solid value—graduates enter a helping profession with debt they can reasonably service from day one.

The 19% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find stable career trajectories, though the field itself caps earning potential compared to other majors. What matters here is the state context: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among California's 30 programs, meaning you're paying private school tuition for middle-of-the-pack outcomes. Cal State East Bay graduates earn $8,000 more annually with likely lower tuition costs, a comparison worth exploring if your child qualifies for admission there.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 falls within acceptable range for social service careers, where passion often outweighs pure financial return. But be clear-eyed: starting at $33,000 means tight budgets in expensive California markets. If your child is drawn to family counseling or child development work and values Fresno Pacific's faith-based mission, this program won't derail their finances. Just know they're paying a premium for the environment rather than dramatically superior employment outcomes.