Location: Los Angeles, CA•In-State Tuition: $48,132•Admission Rate: 69%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,453
16th percentile
40th percentile in California
Median Debt
$26,500
6% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.93 ManageableSample: 27 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Mount Saint Mary's graduates earn just $28,453 a year after completing this program—about $3,500 below California's median and nearly $5,000 under the national benchmark. That 16th percentile national ranking is concerning, though the 40th percentile within California suggests the state's higher cost of living creates challenging outcomes across the board. Still, compare this to California State University-East Bay, where graduates from the same program earn $41,195, nearly 45% more.

The debt load of $26,500 feels manageable in absolute terms, and the 0.93 debt-to-earnings ratio stays just under the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, most California schools manage to graduate students with far less debt—the state median is just $18,306. Given that 55% of students here receive Pell grants, many families may already be stretching financially, and taking on above-average debt for below-average earnings compounds that challenge.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could skew these numbers, but even accounting for that uncertainty, this program doesn't show the earning power you'd want for a $26,500 investment. If your child is committed to human development and family studies, the CSU system offers multiple programs with similar admission standards but significantly stronger outcomes at lower cost.

Where Mount Saint Mary's University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Mount Saint Mary's UniversityOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Mount Saint Mary's University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Mount Saint Mary's University earns $28k — 16th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mount Saint Mary's UniversityLos Angeles$48,132$28,453—$26,5000.93
California State University-East BayHayward$7,055$41,195$53,103$18,0000.44
Pacific Oaks CollegePasadena$33,360$39,077$44,499$27,7150.71
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$36,944$32,701$36,0000.97
California State University-Monterey BaySeaside$7,437$34,089—$12,4080.36
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park$8,190$33,906$49,815$18,2500.54
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 Mount Saint Mary's University, approximately 55% 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.