Human Development, Family Studies, at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNC Greensboro's Human Development and Family Studies program lands squarely in the middle of what you'll find nationally—and that's actually worth noting for a field where most programs cluster in a tight earnings range. At $33,878 after one year, graduates here earn exactly the state median and just slightly above the national median. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among North Carolina schools, though the top performers in the state (UNC Charlotte at $40,000) do pull noticeably ahead. The debt load of $26,000 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 that most families can work with, especially given the 9% earnings growth over the first four years.

The real consideration here is whether the absolute earnings level meets your family's needs. Even after four years, graduates earn around $37,000—sufficient in Greensboro's relatively affordable market but potentially tight if supporting a family or facing other financial obligations. That said, many graduates in this field pursue careers in social services, education, or non-profit work where compensation isn't everything. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers are reliable, not statistical flukes.

For families weighing this against other NC options, understand that you're getting typical outcomes at a school that serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students. If your child is passionate about family services or child development, the debt here won't be crushing, but this isn't a path to rapid financial independence.