Human Development, Family Studies, at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's Human Development and Family Studies program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—but middle isn't necessarily bad when debt is this manageable. Starting at $32,300 and reaching $33,792 by year four, graduates earn slightly below both the national median ($33,543) and Tennessee average ($32,800). More concerning is the minimal earnings growth: just 5% over four years means graduates aren't gaining much earning power as they build experience in the field.

The bright spot here is affordability. At $22,790 in median debt—lower than both the national and state medians—the debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a reasonable 0.71. That's a manageable burden, especially for a field known for modest salaries but strong job stability. However, this program performs similarly to East Tennessee State, which delivers comparable earnings at a similar debt level, suggesting UT's brand name doesn't translate into a significant financial advantage in this particular major.

For families prioritizing low debt over earning potential, this program works. The financial risk is limited, and graduates enter fields like social services, school counseling, and family therapy with reasonable loan burdens. But if your student is debt-averse and earnings-conscious, this middle-of-the-road outcome at a competitive admissions school (46% acceptance rate) might prompt a harder conversation about alternative majors at UT or comparing similar programs at less selective Tennessee schools.