Family and Consumer Economics at University of Utah

At $24,271 in estimated debt—based on typical borrowing levels at similar public universities—this program appears financially manageable when compared against projected first-year earnings of roughly $40,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 falls well within responsible borrowing territory, suggesting graduates could realistically manage loan payments while building financial stability. The challenge is that both figures come from national peer programs rather than University of Utah's specific outcomes, since too few graduates exist to report separately.

Family and consumer economics sits at an interesting crossroads between education, business, and social services—fields where career trajectories can vary significantly based on which direction graduates take. The $40,000 starting point reflects what similar programs produce nationally, but individual outcomes depend heavily on whether students pursue corporate retail management, extension education, financial counseling, or related paths. Some of these tracks offer stronger earning growth than others, and Utah's job market—particularly around Salt Lake City's growing corporate presence—could shift outcomes either direction from national norms.

The practical reality: you're evaluating a program where the actual graduate outcomes remain unknown due to small cohort size. If your child has clear career goals within this field and the University of Utah offers specific connections or specializations aligned with those goals, the estimated debt burden isn't prohibitive. But recognize you're making this decision with less concrete evidence than you'd have for larger programs where actual earnings data exists.