Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Oregon State's Cascades Campus program starts weak but gains momentum—graduates earn just $37,913 in their first year, landing in the bottom 10% nationally for this field. However, four years out, earnings jump nearly 50% to $56,356, which begins to tell a different story. Among Oregon's limited options for this program (only two schools offer it statewide), this campus ties for the median, though that comparison has limited meaning given the small pool.

The debt picture is actually manageable at $24,938, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that's better than many programs. The real concern is that extended runway to competitive earnings—your child will likely spend several years in lower-paying entry positions before reaching the field's stronger mid-career potential. That 49% earnings growth suggests graduates do find their footing, but it takes patience and possibly job changes to get there.

If your child is committed to this specific field and willing to accept a slower financial start, the moderate debt load makes this workable. Just be prepared for those first few years to feel financially tight. The program appears designed for students with either family support during the early career phase or realistic expectations about entry-level human sciences positions.