Human Development, Family Studies, at Temple University

Temple's Human Development program produces graduates earning just over $31,000 in their first year—below both the national median ($33,543) and Pennsylvania's state median ($32,198). This places it in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania programs, trailing schools like York College by nearly $8,000. The relatively low debt load of $27,000 offers some protection, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86, but even modest debt becomes challenging when starting earnings barely exceed $31,000.

The positive angle here is that Temple keeps borrowing reasonable—the program ranks in just the 25th percentile for debt nationally, meaning 75% of comparable programs saddle graduates with more debt. For a field that typically leads to social services, education, or nonprofit work rather than high-paying corporate roles, this matters. Still, at roughly 40 cents below the state median per dollar earned, Pennsylvania families have demonstrably better options within driving distance.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: your child will likely start in the low $30,000s while managing monthly loan payments around $300. If Temple is the in-state choice and your student is committed to working with families or children, the relatively contained debt makes it manageable. But if they're exploring options, programs like York College deliver meaningfully better outcomes in the same field.