Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's Family and Consumer Sciences program outperforms most similar programs nationally, ranking in the 85th percentile for earnings—though within California's smaller field, it sits closer to the middle of the pack. Graduates start at $35,977, well above the national median of $31,748, and see strong earnings growth to $47,115 by year four. Among California's seven schools offering this degree, SF State graduates earn slightly more than those from Sacramento State or Northridge, which is notable given the university's 96% admission rate and the fact that 41% of students receive Pell grants.

The debt picture is genuinely favorable: at $17,212, it's about 35% below the national median and sits slightly above California's typical debt load. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates owe less than half their first year's salary—manageable by any standard. This is particularly important for a field that doesn't command six-figure salaries but provides steady career paths in nutrition, education, social services, and community health roles.

For families concerned about return on investment, this program offers a practical path: reasonable debt, earnings that exceed most peer institutions nationally, and solid year-over-year income growth. The moderate sample size suggests a stable program, and the accessible admissions combined with strong outcomes makes this a straightforward choice for students committed to this field.