Human Development, Family Studies, at State University of New York at Oswego

Based on comparable SUNY programs, a Human Development and Family Studies bachelor's from Oswego appears to land graduates in the middle of the pack financially, with estimated first-year earnings around $36,000 and debt near $23,250. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—you'd owe less than eight months of gross salary—and the debt figure sits below both the state and national medians for this field. Similar programs across New York cluster tightly in the $35,000-$38,000 range, suggesting this is what the field pays early-career regardless of whether you attend Cornell or a regional SUNY campus.

The challenge isn't the debt load; it's what happens after that first year. Human development and family studies degrees often lead to social services, early childhood education, or nonprofit work—sectors where salary growth can be slow and geographic mobility matters. The estimated numbers here reflect peer programs statewide, so they capture broad trends rather than Oswego-specific outcomes. If your child plans to pursue graduate education (common in this field for positions like school counseling or family therapy), factor in those additional costs before the career payoff arrives.

For families comfortable with modest starting salaries in helping professions, the debt picture won't derail your child's finances. Just ensure they understand the career trajectory and whether advanced degrees will be necessary for their goals.