Human Development, Family Studies, at North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College's Human Development and Family Studies associate's program stands out sharply from the national pack—graduates earn $34,978 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and well above the typical $25,838 for this degree. Even within Massachusetts, where the median sits at $31,028, this program holds its own at the 60th percentile. The debt load of $9,622 is notably lower than the national average of $14,614, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28 that most associate's programs would envy.

The significant challenge here is what happens after that strong start: earnings drop 15% to $29,588 by year four. This pattern likely reflects career realities in early childhood education and social services, where entry-level positions may lead to roles that don't always pay more despite experience. That said, even with this decline, graduates are earning roughly what 75th percentile programs deliver nationally in year one.

For families considering this path—particularly the 33% of students here receiving Pell grants—the combination of low debt and strong initial placement makes this a relatively safe bet among community college options. The earnings trajectory means students should view this as a foundation for further education or carefully selected career advancement rather than expecting automatic salary growth. Just understand that the financial peak comes early, so planning for that reality matters more than the degree itself being a poor investment.