Human Development, Family Studies, at Missouri State University-Springfield

The modest earnings from Missouri State's Human Development program—starting at $32,769 and climbing just 6% to $34,659 after four years—reflect the broader reality of family studies careers rather than any particular weakness at this institution. In fact, this program performs slightly better than Missouri's median for this field ($32,588) and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it outearns most in-state alternatives. The $25,000 debt load matches both national and state medians exactly, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76.

However, context matters here: nearly half of Human Development programs nationwide post higher starting salaries, and the field itself pays substantially less than many other bachelor's degrees. With earnings barely exceeding $34,000 after four years, graduates will likely feel financial pressure, especially if they're supporting themselves independently. The minimal earnings growth also suggests limited advancement opportunities early in these careers.

For families considering this path, the key question is career intent. If your student is passionate about child development, family services, or education support roles, Missouri State delivers typical outcomes at a reasonable cost. But if career plans are still uncertain, understand that these earnings place graduates below the poverty line for a family of four and won't support an urban lifestyle comfortably. This is a program where passion for the field needs to outweigh purely financial considerations.