Human Development, Family Studies, at Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College's Human Development and Family Studies associate degree leads to first-year earnings of $23,239—below both the national median ($25,838) and Virginia's median ($25,504) for this program. More concerning, earnings actually drop to $21,978 by year four, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance in their careers or face limited job opportunities in the field.

The debt load of $16,275 isn't catastrophic, but it's substantial given the earning potential. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70, meaning graduates owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. While this is manageable compared to some programs, the declining earnings trajectory makes repayment increasingly difficult over time. For context, Northern Virginia Community College's graduates in this same program earn $27,768—about $4,500 more annually—which compounds significantly over a career.

Parents should understand this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Virginia schools for earnings, meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state produce better outcomes. This degree may serve students planning to transfer to a four-year program where they can access higher-paying positions, but as a terminal credential for entering the workforce directly, the numbers suggest limited financial returns. If your child is passionate about child development or family services, consider whether waiting to pursue this field at the bachelor's level might provide better career mobility.