Family and Consumer Economics at University of Maryland-College Park

A 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory—comparable Family and Consumer Economics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000 against roughly $24,000 in debt. For a University of Maryland-College Park degree, however, there's a disconnect worth examining. This is a highly selective institution (45% admission rate, 1463 average SAT) where students are competing for admission with strong credentials, yet the career trajectory here appears modest relative to that selectivity.

The challenge is that Family and Consumer Economics is a small program nationally—just 31 schools offer it—and Maryland has only one, making meaningful comparisons difficult. Peer programs suggest manageable monthly loan payments of around $270 on a $40,000 salary, but that assumes graduates quickly find positions utilizing their degree. The field typically leads to roles in consumer services, education, or social services where advancement matters more than starting salary.

Here's the practical question: Is this the right major at this particular university? Maryland-College Park offers numerous programs with stronger earning potential that would leverage the institution's reputation more effectively. If your child is committed to consumer economics specifically, this pathway makes sense, but if they're still exploring, other majors at this school would likely provide better returns on both the tuition investment and their competitive admission.