Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Akron Main Campus

The University of Akron's Human Development program costs students more while delivering less than most alternatives. Graduates earn $30,835 in their first year—about $6,000 below the Ohio median and trailing nearly every other program in the state. That 25th percentile ranking means three-quarters of Ohio students in this field land better-paying positions after graduation. The $31,000 debt load exceeds both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1 that will strain most graduates' budgets.

The earnings trajectory offers modest improvement, growing to $33,445 by year four, but this still lags behind what graduates from Ohio University's various campuses earn right out of the gate. Meanwhile, the debt burden here is substantial—in the 92nd percentile nationally, meaning only 8% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're likely paying more for outcomes that rank near the bottom in Ohio. Given that other state universities deliver starting salaries $8,000 higher with comparable or lower debt, Akron's program represents a weak value proposition unless there are compelling personal reasons (location, family circumstances) that make alternatives impractical. Most families would be better served exploring Human Development programs at Ohio's other public universities.