Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Vermont

The $25,249 first-year salary for University of Vermont's Human Development program sits well below the national median of $33,543—placing it in just the 5th percentile nationally. While the state context offers no meaningful comparison (only two Vermont schools offer this major), the national picture reveals a significant earnings gap. The debt load of $19,250 is relatively moderate, but when paired with such low starting earnings, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, meaning they owe about nine months of their first year's salary.

It's worth emphasizing that this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it a shaky foundation for major decisions. A few graduates entering low-paying internships or graduate school could skew these numbers dramatically. That said, Human Development programs nationally tend to lead to careers in social services, education, and counseling—fields known for modest starting salaries but meaningful work and reasonable job security.

If your child is passionate about working with families and communities, the manageable debt matters more than the national ranking. But financially speaking, they should enter this program with clear career goals and realistic expectations about earning potential. The moderate debt won't be crushing, but building financial stability will require careful budgeting in those early years.