Human Development, Family Studies, at Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College keeps costs remarkably low for this associate's degree—graduating students carry just $8,216 in debt, less than half the national median for this program. Earnings start at $28,815, which lands in the 68th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among New York programs. This means your investment pays back in roughly four months of work, an excellent ratio that gives graduates financial breathing room as they start their careers.

The challenge is what happens next: earnings barely budge over the following three years, reaching only $29,021 by year four. This stagnation is typical for associate's-level Human Development programs, which often serve as stepping stones to bachelor's degrees or early-career entry points in childcare and family services. Hudson Valley's outcomes closely track Onondaga Community College's, though both programs lead to careers where significant salary growth typically requires additional education or specialized certifications.

For students planning to work immediately after graduation, the low debt makes this manageable even with modest earnings. However, families should understand this likely isn't a final credential—it's a foundation that will require further investment to unlock higher earning potential in fields like social work or counseling.