Human Development, Family Studies, at Illinois State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Illinois State's Human Development and Family Studies program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a mid-tier state university—steady, unspectacular outcomes that mirror both national and state medians. At $33,682 first-year earnings, graduates land right at Illinois's program median and just above the national benchmark, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $23,125 debt load is actually lower than the national median of $25,000, yielding a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio.
What matters here is the context: National Louis University grads in this field earn 39% more ($46,954), suggesting career pathways exist beyond the typical entry-level positions. Illinois State graduates cluster in the middle of the pack, behind UIC but ahead of Northern Illinois. For a family studies degree—a field that often leads to social services roles with compressed salary ranges—the debt level here won't create financial hardship, but it won't open doors to dramatically better opportunities either.
The practical reality: your child will likely graduate with affordable debt and enter a stable but modestly-paying field. If they're passionate about family services work and plan to stay in Illinois, this represents a safe choice. If graduate school is on the horizon (common in this field for advancement), factor in additional borrowing. The program works as intended—it just won't surprise you in either direction.
Where Illinois State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Illinois State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Illinois State University graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all human development, family studies, bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University | $33,682 | — | $23,125 | 0.69 |
| National Louis University | $46,954 | — | $28,096 | 0.60 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $36,743 | — | $17,500 | 0.48 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $29,762 | $53,297 | $19,600 | 0.66 |
| Northern Illinois University | $28,342 | $38,803 | $31,000 | 1.09 |
| National Median | $33,543 | — | $25,000 | 0.75 |
Other Human Development, Family Studies, Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Louis University Chicago | $12,345 | $46,954 | $28,096 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $36,743 | $17,500 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $29,762 | $19,600 |
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $28,342 | $31,000 |
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 Illinois State University, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 50 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.