Location: Normal, IL•In-State Tuition: $16,021•Out-of-State Tuition: $28,086•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1127
Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,682
51st percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$23,125
7% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 50 graduates

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

Illinois State UniversityOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Illinois State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Illinois State University earns $34k — 51th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (10 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Illinois State UniversityNormal$16,021$33,682—$23,1250.69
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$46,954—$28,0960.60
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$36,743—$17,5000.48
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$29,762$53,297$19,6000.66
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb$12,700$28,342$38,803$31,0001.09
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

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 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.