Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Family and Consumer Sciences program shows strong national standing but comes with an important caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. That said, the earnings figure of $34,802 places this program at the 95th percentile nationally—meaning it outperforms nearly all comparable programs across the country. The debt load is exceptionally low at just $22,855 (5th percentile nationally), creating a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates could realistically pay off within a few years.

The 60th percentile ranking within Utah is less meaningful here since this appears to be the only program of its kind in the state. The real story is how this program compares to the handful of similar programs nationwide—and on that measure, it performs remarkably well. First-year earnings in the mid-$30,000s won't make anyone rich, but they're competitive for this field, and the minimal debt burden matters more than parents might initially think.

If your child is genuinely interested in this field and the small program size doesn't concern you, the financial fundamentals are solid. Just recognize that family and consumer sciences typically serves as a stepping stone to careers in education, social services, or further graduate work—so these earnings may represent an entry point rather than a ceiling. The low debt gives graduates flexibility to pursue those next steps without financial strain.