Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout's Human Development and Family Studies program outearns 80% of similar programs nationwide—a notable achievement in a field where many graduates struggle financially. Starting at $37,050, graduates earn roughly $3,500 more than the national median and even edge past the 75th percentile benchmark. However, within Wisconsin, this program lands in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, and the $27,000 debt load runs slightly higher than both state and national norms.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates face manageable repayment relative to income, particularly since debt sits in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt). Four years out, earnings hold fairly steady at $38,021—this field doesn't typically see dramatic salary growth early on, but the stability matters when budgeting loan payments. With over 100 graduates in the data set, these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise.

For families evaluating this against other Wisconsin options, it's worth noting that UW-Stout actually outperforms UW-Madison in this specific field despite Madison's flagship status. If your child is genuinely drawn to family studies or social services work, this program delivers better-than-average preparation at a reasonable price point—just understand that this career path prioritizes purpose over salary potential.