Location: Natchitoches, LA•In-State Tuition: $8,864•Out-of-State Tuition: $19,652•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,373
11th percentile
40th percentile in Louisiana
Median Debt
$31,000
24% above national median
D/E Ratio: 1.13 ElevatedSample: 38 graduates

Analysis

Graduates of this program earn $27,373 in their first year—nearly $6,000 below the national median and roughly $900 below Louisiana's state median. While ranking in the 40th percentile within Louisiana might sound middling, context matters: among the six Louisiana schools offering this degree, Northwestern sits fourth, trailing Southern-New Orleans by over $6,000 and LSU by more than $2,000 annually. That gap compounds quickly over a career.

The debt burden intensifies these concerns. At $31,000, graduates carry $6,000 more than the national median for this field and about $1,400 above Louisiana's typical debt load. The 1.13 debt-to-earnings ratio means students borrow more than they'll earn in their entire first year—a challenging starting position for fields that typically require graduate education for higher earning potential. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already navigating financial constraints.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward but sobering: starting salaries in the mid-$20s make $31,000 in debt a substantial burden. If your student is committed to human development or family studies, exploring options at Southern-New Orleans or LSU could yield better financial outcomes. Otherwise, understand that this degree may require either graduate school or significant time to achieve financial stability.

Where Northwestern State University of Louisiana Stands

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

Northwestern State University of LouisianaOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwestern State University of Louisiana earns $27k — 11th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches$8,864$27,373—$31,0001.13
Southern University at New OrleansNew Orleans$7,490$33,687—$56,0001.66
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge$11,954$29,539—$26,7500.91
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette$10,418$29,094$33,195$28,2500.97
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston$10,125$26,591$37,005$21,5000.81
Grambling State UniversityGrambling$7,683$23,073—$53,5882.32
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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana, approximately 35% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.