Family and Consumer Economics at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's Family and Consumer Economics program graduates earn about $45,000 annually—solid performance that ranks in the 71st percentile nationally for this field. With $23,789 in typical debt, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income. That's better than the average American bachelor's degree holder and comparable to the national benchmark for this major.

The caveat here is significant: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing considerably with a different cohort. The near-flat earnings growth from year one to year four (just 1% increase) is worth noting, though it's unclear if that's program-specific or just noise from the small sample. Since SDSU is the only school in South Dakota offering this degree, in-state students don't have local alternatives for comparison.

For families comfortable with the uncertainty that comes from limited data, the fundamentals look reasonable. The accessible admission process (99% acceptance rate) and relatively modest debt load make this a lower-risk option than many bachelor's programs, particularly if your child has a clear career path in family services, consumer advocacy, or related fields where this degree opens doors.