Human Development, Family Studies, at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Human Development and Family Studies program sits squarely in the middle of what this field typically offers nationwide—and that comes with some challenges you need to understand upfront. Starting at $34,241, graduates earn modestly above the national median for this degree, though this places them well below what most bachelor's programs deliver. The $25,000 in typical debt creates a manageable but not trivial burden at a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning nearly three-quarters of that first year's salary goes to covering educational costs before any other expenses.

The more encouraging news is the earnings trajectory: a 14% increase to $38,866 by year four suggests graduates find their footing professionally, and Kansas State performs slightly better than the typical program in this field. Among Kansas's limited options for this major, K-State matches the state median exactly, though with only four programs statewide, choices are inherently constrained. The robust sample size means these figures reliably reflect graduate outcomes.

The reality is that Human Development and Family Studies tends to lead toward social services, education support, and nonprofit work—meaningful careers that simply don't command high salaries. If your child is passionate about this path, K-State delivers solid preparation without excessive debt. But if family finances are tight or student loans will stretch beyond what you're comfortable with, understand that this degree typically requires either additional credentials for career advancement or acceptance of below-average earnings for college graduates.