Human Development, Family Studies, (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Utah

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,467

68th percentile

80th percentile in Utah

Median Debt

$15,500

38% below national median

Analysis

The University of Utah's Human Development program stands out among Utah options, earning graduates $41,041 by year four—54% more than the state median and placing them in the 80th percentile statewide. With just $15,500 in debt (matching the already-low state median), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly five months of gross income. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes it the strongest Human Development program in the state by most measures.

The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four signals genuine career progression rather than stagnation, and the program outperforms 68% of similar programs nationally—solid positioning for a field that typically doesn't command high starting salaries. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data without raising red flags about program viability.

For families concerned about ROI in a helping profession, this program delivers. The low debt load minimizes financial risk while graduates build experience in fields like social services, education, or family counseling. Among Utah's six Human Development programs, this is the clear leader for balancing career outcomes with affordability.

Where University of Utah Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Utah graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Utah	$35,467	$41,041	+16%
Cornell University	$38,401	$61,634	+61%
Weber State University	$35,861	$36,219	+1%
Utah State University	$26,561	$27,114	+2%
Brigham Young University	$25,342	$24,823	-2%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of UtahSalt Lake City	$9,315	$35,467	$41,041	$15,500	0.44
Weber State UniversityOgden	$6,391	$35,861	$36,219	$18,792	0.52
Utah State UniversityLogan	$9,228	$26,561	$27,114	$16,573	0.62
Brigham Young UniversityProvo	$6,496	$25,342	$24,823	$11,250	0.44
Utah Valley UniversityOrem	$6,270	$20,971	—	$13,500	0.64
National Median	—	$33,543	—	$25,000	0.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Utah, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 70 graduates with reported earnings and 62 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.