Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State's Family and Consumer Sciences program starts modestly but shows impressive momentum. First-year graduates earn $31,250—slightly below the national median—but by year four, earnings jump to $39,641, a 27% increase that significantly outpaces typical wage growth for this field. Among Missouri's three programs in this area, this one ranks at the 60th percentile, performing above the state median despite Southeast Missouri State's regional accessibility (79% admission rate, 29% Pell recipients).

The debt picture is reasonable: $25,000 matches Missouri's median for this program and sits below the national average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80, graduates should be able to manage repayment without undue strain, especially as their earnings grow. The moderate sample size suggests stable employment outcomes, though it's not the largest cohort.

For families considering this program, the key question is patience. If your child can weather the modest starting salary—perhaps with family support or careful budgeting—the earnings trajectory looks promising. This isn't a get-rich-quick degree, but it delivers steady financial progress and comes from an accessible institution that serves first-generation and lower-income students well. The combination of manageable debt and solid earnings growth makes this a reasonable investment for students interested in family services, nutrition, or related human sciences careers.