Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,949
62nd percentile
Median Debt
$23,344
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.57
Manageable
Sample Size
80
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Houston graduates from this Family and Consumer Sciences program start at roughly the state and national median—around $41,000—but the real story is what happens next. Four years out, earnings jump 24% to just over $50,000, a growth trajectory that outpaces many peer programs in this field. With debt at $23,344 and a ratio of 0.57 to first-year earnings, graduates face manageable payments that should become comfortable as their careers progress.

The program sits right in the middle of the pack nationally (62nd percentile for earnings, 60th in Texas), which makes sense given there are only 16 schools nationwide offering this specialized degree. The moderate sample size suggests this is a smaller cohort, but the consistent performance across metrics indicates reliable outcomes. For a school serving 41% Pell-eligible students, these numbers represent genuine mobility—graduates are building careers that provide middle-class stability without crushing debt.

For families considering this path, the value comes down to career fit. If your child is genuinely interested in consumer sciences careers—whether in retail management, product development, or family services—UH delivers competitive preparation at a price that won't haunt them. The earnings won't make headlines, but the debt-to-income balance is reasonable from day one and improves with time.

Where University of Houston Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all family and consumer sciences/human sciences business services bachelors's programs nationally

University of HoustonOther family and consumer sciences/human sciences business services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Houston graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all family and consumer sciences/human sciences business services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (2 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Houston$40,949$50,613$23,3440.57
National Median$40,256—$23,3440.58

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 Houston, approximately 41% 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 80 graduates with reported earnings and 90 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.