Human Development, Family Studies, at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's Human Development program significantly outperforms its peers, earning graduates $39,096 in their first year—$6,500 more than the national median and $7,000 above Texas's average. Among the 25 Texas programs, this ranks solidly above the state median, trailing only University of Houston. With debt below $24,000 and a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically pay down loans within two years while building savings. The robust sample size of over 100 graduates makes these figures reliable.

The 17% earnings growth to $45,788 by year four shows steady career progression in a field often criticized for flat wages. That trajectory matters in human services careers, where experience typically translates to supervisory roles or specialized positions. While Texas Tech sits at the 92nd percentile nationally, its 60th percentile ranking within Texas reflects the state's generally strong outcomes for this major rather than any weakness in the program.

For families concerned about ROI in a helping profession, this program delivers. The combination of below-average debt and well-above-average starting pay creates breathing room that many human development graduates don't get. If your child is drawn to family services, counseling support, or community program work, Texas Tech provides a financially stable path into these careers without the debt burden that can force graduates into higher-paying but less fulfilling work.