Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Rhode Island

URI's Human Development program produces graduates who earn slightly above the national median, starting at $34,205 and climbing to $38,884 by year four. That's ahead of most family studies programs nationwide (56th percentile), though the difference amounts to just a few hundred dollars more than the typical program. The debt load of $25,000 sits right at the national median, creating a manageable but not impressive debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. For context, this means graduates owe about nine months of their first-year salary.

The 14% earnings growth over four years is solid, suggesting career progression rather than stagnation. However, we're still talking about under $39,000 by year four—modest income that reflects the reality of many human services and family support roles. These careers often prioritize social impact over compensation, which prospective students and their families should weigh carefully against loan obligations.

As the only program of its kind in Rhode Island, this is the local option for students interested in family studies who want to stay in-state. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) makes these figures reliable indicators of what to expect. If your child is passionate about working with families and understands the financial tradeoff, this program delivers what the field typically offers. But if maximizing earning potential matters, other majors warrant consideration.