Human Development, Family Studies, at Miami University-Oxford

A $27,000 debt load for a degree where similar Ohio programs produce starting salaries around $36,800 creates a manageable but tight financial picture. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds, meaning graduates could potentially clear their loans within a few years under standard repayment plans. However, the four-year earnings figure of $35,706—slightly lower than the estimated first-year number—suggests this field doesn't offer the salary growth trajectory parents might expect from a flagship university degree.

What's concerning is Miami's premium positioning compared to actual outcomes. With an average SAT of 1313 and just 11% of students on Pell grants, this is a selective institution drawing academically strong, typically affluent students. Yet the estimated earnings for this major barely edge above the national median of $33,543 and match exactly what typical Ohio programs produce. Several Ohio University branch campuses report graduates earning $38,973—about $3,000 more than what comparable programs at Miami appear to yield.

For a family considering Miami's full costs versus an in-state alternative, this matters. Human development and family studies careers—social services, counseling support roles, nonprofit work—generally don't command high starting salaries regardless of institutional prestige. If your child is passionate about this field, verify what career services support Miami provides and whether internships lead to better-than-average placement. Otherwise, a lower-cost Ohio public option might deliver similar career outcomes without the premium price tag.