Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at University of Central Arkansas

Looking at University of Central Arkansas's Family and Consumer Sciences program, the debt load stands out as unusually manageable. At $31,000, it ranks in the 17th percentile nationally—meaning 83% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. That's a meaningful advantage when first-year earnings start at $31,050, creating a 1:1 debt-to-income ratio that's workable rather than crushing.

Within Arkansas, this program actually outperforms most alternatives, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings despite coming in slightly below the national median. When you're looking at five programs statewide and yours beats three of them for salary outcomes while keeping debt relatively contained, that's worth noting. The 18% earnings growth over four years also suggests graduates gain traction in their careers, moving from $31,050 to $36,590—a trajectory that makes that initial debt more manageable over time.

The reality check: these aren't high earnings by any standard, and this field generally doesn't command impressive starting salaries regardless of where you study it. But if your child is committed to this career path, UCA offers a less expensive entry point than most programs while delivering middle-of-the-pack outcomes. The combination of lower debt and steady earnings growth creates breathing room that many graduates in this field don't get.