Location: Bethany, OK•In-State Tuition: $21,316
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,277
Est. from OK median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (38 programs)

Analysis

A $26,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $38,000 creates a relatively manageable starting point—peer programs in Oklahoma typically produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, which means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about eight months of pre-tax income. That's reasonable compared to many bachelor's degrees, though hardly spectacular given the modest earnings ceiling in this field.

The catch is that similar programs in Oklahoma show significant variation in outcomes. Oklahoma State's graduates start near $41,000, while Southeastern Oklahoma State's begin closer to $33,000—a difference that compounds over a career. Without specific data from Southwestern Christian, you're betting that this smaller institution can match the state median rather than fall toward the lower end. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (41%), which often correlates with strong support services, but doesn't guarantee competitive salary outcomes.

For families comfortable with modest but stable earnings in education, social services, or family support roles, these estimates suggest an acceptable financial arrangement. However, if your student is choosing between this and Oklahoma State or Southern Nazarene—both of which report actual earnings above $41,000—the decision deserves careful consideration of what Southwestern Christian offers beyond the numbers, like faith integration or specific program strengths that justify potentially lower career earnings.

Where Southwestern Christian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Southwestern Christian University (estimated ±10%)Other human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southwestern Christian UniversityBethany$21,316$38,277*—$26,000*—
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$41,243*$45,585$23,858*0.58
Southern Nazarene UniversityBethany$29,600$41,062*$41,533$38,563*0.94
University of Central OklahomaEdmond$8,522$35,491*$37,289$27,500*0.77
Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityDurant$7,200$32,997*—$18,000*0.55
National Median—$33,543*—$25,000*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southwestern Christian University, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.