Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

Based on comparable Family and Consumer Sciences programs in Texas, UT Austin graduates can expect to start around $35,500—about $4,000 above the national median for this field. The estimated debt of $26,700 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75, which is manageable though not exceptional. What matters here is that UT Austin's selectivity and resources don't appear to translate into significantly higher earnings than what graduates from Texas Tech or Sam Houston State achieve in this same major.

The reality is that Family and Consumer Sciences, regardless of where you earn the degree, tends to lead to modest starting salaries. The estimated figures here place UT Austin graduates roughly in line with peers across Texas—the prestige of the institution isn't buying much salary premium in year one. With debt at this level, graduates will face real financial pressure in those early years, particularly if they're pursuing careers in education, family services, or nonprofit work where these degrees often lead.

For families paying premium tuition at a flagship university, this raises an important question about return on investment. If your student is passionate about this field, UT Austin offers strong academics and career services. But the earnings trajectory suggests they'll need to either advance quickly into management roles or pursue graduate education to see meaningful financial returns. The debt load is moderate but will require careful budgeting on that sub-$36,000 starting salary.