Location: Dearborn, MI•In-State Tuition: $14,944•Out-of-State Tuition: $31,360•Admission Rate: 59%•Avg SAT: 1127
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,216
Est. from MI median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$29,539
Est. from MI median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on what peer programs in Michigan typically produce, this Human Development and Family Studies degree appears to track close to state norms, with estimated first-year earnings around $35,200 and debt near $29,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 sits in reasonable territory—you're looking at roughly $300 monthly loan payments on an income that, while modest, should be manageable if your child secures full-time work in the field. The challenge is that similar programs across Michigan show remarkably tight clustering in outcomes, with even the top performers barely cracking $37,400, suggesting limited upside potential in early-career earnings.

What makes this estimate harder to assess is Michigan-Dearborn's solid student profile (SAT scores above 1100, 59% admission rate) combined with 44% of students receiving Pell grants. That mix often indicates students who could handle more remunerative fields but may be choosing human services work intentionally. The question for your family is whether $35,000 starting pay aligns with career goals that justify four years of university costs—because looking at comparable Michigan programs, there's little evidence of dramatic earning growth differentials between schools in this field.

If your child is committed to family services or social work, this pathway makes sense financially. If they're uncertain about the career direction, exploring majors with wider salary ranges might preserve more options while managing similar debt loads.

Where University of Michigan-Dearborn Stands

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn (estimated ±10%)Other human development, family studies, programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$35,216*—$29,539*—
Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor$32,580$37,401*—$26,000*0.70
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$36,494*$35,828$43,076*1.18
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$35,318*$39,851$27,209*0.77
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$35,216*$31,983$25,769*0.73
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo$15,298$35,209*$38,672$29,539*0.84
National Median—$33,543*—$25,000*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Michigan-Dearborn, approximately 44% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.