Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

UConn Hartford's Human Development program demonstrates an impressive earnings trajectory that defies the typical pattern for this field. Starting at $31,642, graduates see their earnings jump 59% to $50,448 within four years—reaching levels well above what most Human Development programs achieve even at peak earning years. With manageable debt of $23,059 (below both state and national medians), the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 improves substantially as careers progress.

Within Connecticut, this program ranks in the 60th percentile despite matching the state median exactly—suggesting a concentration of lower-performing programs dragging down the average. Nationally, the 34th percentile ranking reflects Human Development's generally modest starting salaries across the board, but the year-four earnings pull ahead of three-quarters of programs nationally. The 86% admission rate and significant Pell grant population (46%) indicate accessibility doesn't compromise outcomes here.

The key is understanding that first-year earnings are a launching point, not a destination. If your child can manage the initial years earning around $32,000—perhaps living at home or in a lower-cost area—the financial picture brightens considerably. This program works well for students committed to human services careers who value the field's intrinsic rewards but still need a viable financial path forward.