Location: Chicago, IL•In-State Tuition: $14,338•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,360•Admission Rate: 79%•Avg SAT: 1242
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,743
78th percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$17,500
30% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 40 graduates

Analysis

UIC's Human Development program manages to deliver above-average earnings while keeping debt notably lower than most alternatives. At $36,743, graduates earn more than 78% of similar programs nationwide and clear the Illinois median by about $3,000. The $17,500 debt load is less than half the national median of $25,000—a meaningful advantage that translates to more manageable monthly payments during those crucial early career years when many graduates are still finding their footing in social services, education, or family support roles.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 is quite favorable for this field, though it's worth noting that one competitor (National Louis University) shows significantly higher earnings at $46,954. That said, UIC's combination of reasonable debt and solid earnings puts most graduates in a sustainable position. With half of students receiving Pell grants, the lower debt burden particularly benefits first-generation and low-income students who might otherwise struggle with the financial realities of helping professions.

For families weighing this option, UIC offers a practical path into human services careers without the debt burden that could push graduates into unrelated fields for purely financial reasons. The program won't make anyone wealthy, but the math actually works—which isn't always true in this field.

Where University of Illinois Chicago Stands

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

University of Illinois ChicagoOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Illinois Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Illinois Chicago earns $37k — 78th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago$14,338$36,743—$17,5000.48
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$46,954—$28,0960.60
Illinois State UniversityNormal$16,021$33,682—$23,1250.69
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$29,762$53,297$19,6000.66
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb$12,700$28,342$38,803$31,0001.09
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

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 Illinois Chicago, approximately 50% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.