Human Development, Family Studies, (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Florida

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,759

71st percentile

Median Debt

$17,296

31% below national median

Analysis

University of Florida's Human Development program combines strong earnings growth with unusually low debt—a combination that's rare in this field. Starting at $35,759 and climbing to $45,064 by year four (26% growth), graduates earn more than most peers nationally and outpace the Florida median by over $12,000. More impressive: they graduate with just $17,296 in debt, roughly $8,000 below the national median and even lower than the Florida average. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—manageable by almost any standard.

Context matters here. While UF's program doesn't top the state rankings (Florida State's program actually shows lower starting earnings at $29,690), UF graduates hit the 60th percentile in Florida and 71st nationally. The combination of upward trajectory and minimal debt burden makes this particularly noteworthy. Among the four schools offering this program in Florida, UF delivers competitive earnings without saddling graduates with heavy loans.

For parents concerned about ROI in a helping profession, this program offers a clearer path forward than most. The low debt means graduates have flexibility to pursue graduate school, accept lower-paying but fulfilling positions, or build financial stability early. The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably consistent.

Where University of Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Florida	$35,759	$45,064	+26%
Cornell University	$38,401	$61,634	+61%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	$29,762	$53,297	+79%
California State University-East Bay	$41,195	$53,103	+29%
Florida State University	$29,690	$48,264	+63%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of FloridaGainesville	$6,381	$35,759	$45,064	$17,296	0.48
Florida State UniversityTallahassee	$5,656	$29,690	$48,264	$20,000	0.67
National Median	—	$33,543	—	$25,000	0.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Florida, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 89 graduates with reported earnings and 96 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.