Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at Texas Southern University

Based on comparable programs in Texas, this degree suggests first-year earnings around $35,500—modest, but at least ahead of the national median for this field. What's harder to square is why earnings appear to decline by year four to just $33,180. Family and consumer sciences graduates often enter helping professions with compressed salary ranges, so this downward trend could reflect sector realities rather than program quality issues, but it's still an unusual pattern worth understanding before committing.

The estimated $26,690 in debt produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75, which sits in manageable territory—lower than many bachelor's programs and roughly aligned with what other Texas schools in this field report. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, Texas Southern serves a population where keeping debt reasonable matters enormously. Similar programs at Sam Houston State and Texas Tech produce slightly higher earnings ($37,540 and $35,501 respectively), though the differences aren't dramatic enough to dismiss this program outright.

The real question is whether your child can secure the right entry position—something in education, community services, or industry where this degree opens doors rather than leaving them competing for jobs that don't require specialized credentials. Talk specifically with the department about job placement patterns and whether graduates land roles that justify the degree, because in this field, that first job matters more than the credential name on the diploma.