Location: York, PA•In-State Tuition: $24,606•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1135
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,158
93rd percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$26,920
8% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 18 graduates Limited data

Analysis

York College's Human Development program posts $39,158 in first-year earnings—substantially above both the national median ($33,543) and Pennsylvania's median ($32,198) for this major. At the 93rd percentile nationally, these graduates are out-earning nearly all their peers across the country, and they're carrying $26,920 in debt, which is right in line with typical borrowing for this field. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though families should note the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a single cohort's unusual success could be skewing these figures.

What's particularly interesting is that York ranks at only the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania programs despite its strong national showing. This reflects Pennsylvania's generally higher-paying market for human development graduates rather than any weakness at York—the school is actually tied with Messiah University for the highest earnings in the state for this major. For an institution with a 94% admission rate, these outcomes are notably strong.

The caveat here is real: small samples can be misleading, and one exceptional graduating class doesn't guarantee future results. That said, if your child is Pennsylvania-based and interested in family studies or related helping professions, York's combination of accessibility, reasonable debt, and above-average earnings makes it worth serious consideration—just verify these trends hold across multiple years before committing.

Where York College of Pennsylvania Stands

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

York College of PennsylvaniaOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How York College of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally

York College of Pennsylvania earns $39k — 93th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
York College of PennsylvaniaYork$24,606$39,158—$26,9200.69
Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg$40,640$32,943$35,400$27,0000.82
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$31,452—$27,0000.86
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana$11,380$30,675$36,463$26,8170.87
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 York College of Pennsylvania, approximately 25% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.