Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Arkansas

At just over $31,000 in first-year earnings, this program falls below the national median for Human Development majors, but outperforms most Arkansas programs in the field. That 60th percentile state ranking matters for families planning to stay in Arkansas, where this degree positions graduates better than alternatives at four of the state's six schools offering this program. The debt load of $21,500 is manageable—notably lower than both the national and state medians—and that 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than they'll earn in their first year, a reasonable starting point for early-career human services work.

The 19% earnings growth to $37,666 by year four suggests graduates find their footing professionally, though these fields rarely lead to high salaries. For students committed to working with families, children, or in community services—typical career paths for this major—the University of Arkansas offers solid in-state preparation without crushing debt. However, families should be realistic: even with growth, year-four earnings remain modest, and this isn't a degree that will quickly generate substantial income.

The bottom line: If your child is passionate about human services work and plans to stay in Arkansas, this program delivers decent value with below-average debt. But if they're unsure about the career path or hoping for financial flexibility after graduation, the limited earning potential deserves careful consideration against other majors.