Location: Charlottesville, VA•In-State Tuition: $20,986•Out-of-State Tuition: $58,014•Admission Rate: 17%•Avg SAT: 1488
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,533
59th percentile
Median Debt
$19,500
22% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.56 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

UVA's Human Development program produces modest outcomes that seem disconnected from the university's elite reputation. At $34,533 in first-year earnings, graduates earn just slightly above the state and national medians—middling results for a school where admitted students average near-perfect SAT scores. The debt load of $19,500 is better than most programs in this field, though that's a low bar given the consistently modest earnings across Human Development nationally.

The comparison to George Mason is telling: their graduates in this field earn $45,140—nearly $11,000 more annually. Even with UVA's lower debt burden, that earnings gap would take years to overcome. You're essentially trading on a prestigious name that doesn't appear to translate into better job prospects for this particular major, at least in the short term.

The critical caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. But if you're paying out-of-state tuition at UVA specifically for this program, the value proposition is questionable. In-state students at least avoid the premium price tag while accessing strong alumni networks. Consider whether the UVA brand in this field justifies the opportunity cost of attending a more selective school when outcomes look similar to less competitive alternatives.

Where University of Virginia-Main Campus Stands

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

University of Virginia-Main CampusOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Virginia-Main Campus earns $35k — 59th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$34,533—$19,5000.56
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$45,140—$24,3000.54
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$33,654$48,423$21,5000.64
Liberty UniversityLynchburg$21,222$31,083$31,357$23,2500.75
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

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 Virginia-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.