Human Development, Family Studies, at George Mason University

George Mason's Human Development and Family Studies program posts earnings that significantly outpace both state and national benchmarks—$45,140 versus a Virginia median of $34,094 and a national median of $33,543. That 80th percentile ranking among Virginia programs puts it ahead of competitors like UVA and Virginia Tech, which is notable for a field where starting salaries typically cluster in the low-to-mid thirties. The debt load of $24,300 sits close to the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that works in graduates' favor.

However, the limited sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data. Small cohorts can produce outlier results that don't reflect the typical graduate experience. That said, the margins here are substantial enough to suggest something real: these graduates are earning roughly $11,000 more annually than the typical Virginia program graduate in this field.

For parents, this looks promising if their child is committed to this career path, but the small sample caveat matters. The earning advantage could stem from a few high performers or specific career tracks within the program. If you're comfortable with that uncertainty and the degree aligns with your child's goals, the financial setup appears workable—first-year earnings roughly double the debt burden.