Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Missouri-Columbia

At $39,887 four years out, Mizzou's Human Development program performs solidly within Missouri, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—ahead of comparable programs at Missouri State and UCM. The $26,000 in typical debt translates to manageable payments relative to that mid-career income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.8 suggesting graduates can handle repayment without financial strain.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: starting earnings of $33,015 are typical for this field nationally, then grow 21% by year four. This isn't a high-earning major—Human Development graduates generally enter social services, childcare administration, or family counseling roles that prioritize purpose over paychecks. But the trajectory is stable, debt levels are reasonable, and Missouri's lower cost of living means these salaries stretch further than they would on the coasts.

For families comfortable with mid-range earnings in a helping profession, this program delivers what it promises without creating unmanageable debt. The real question isn't whether Mizzou offers good value—it does, particularly compared to smaller Missouri programs—but whether your student is genuinely drawn to family services work. If they are, the financial foundation here is sound enough to build a career.