Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State's Family and Consumer Sciences program lands squarely in the middle for Kansas—literally at the state median—but trails the national pack significantly. With first-year earnings of $28,782, graduates earn about $3,000 less than the typical program nationwide, placing them in just the 22nd percentile nationally. The modest $25,000 debt load keeps this from being a disaster, but it's still roughly 87% of first-year earnings.

The real concern is the trajectory: four years out, earnings barely budge to $29,539—a 3% increase that doesn't keep pace with inflation. This stagnation is common in human sciences fields where entry-level positions often have compressed salary ranges, but it means graduates aren't materially improving their financial position in those critical early career years. The narrow salary band between Kansas programs (only two exist statewide) suggests this reflects field dynamics rather than any particular weakness at Pittsburg State.

For families weighing this option, the calculation is straightforward: if your child is passionate about family services, community health, or related fields, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But they should expect starting salaries well below $30,000 with limited short-term growth, making loan repayment a long game even at these moderate debt levels. Factor in whether your family can provide some financial support during those lean early years.