Specialization

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

Only 6 colleges in the country offer Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $46,475.

About Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences is a focused area of study within Family & Consumer Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $46,475 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 6 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 142 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$34,802
Median Earnings · 4yr
$46,475
Colleges Offering
6
Graduates / Year
142
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,170

How Much Do Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Graduates Earn?

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates earn $46,475 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,932 and $61,944.

$34,802
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$46,475
4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.


Understanding the Cost vs. Return

At median 4-year earnings of $46,475 and an estimated $76,680 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.7 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 7 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 142 students who complete Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs each year, the majority (96%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 96%
Master's 4%

What Can You Do With a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Degree?

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Marketing Manager leads at $166,790/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +6.6%
$166,790
$123K $216K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 34,300 openings/yr 395K employed nationally
↗ +4.7%
$148,270
$100K $207K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 49,000 openings/yr 637K employed nationally
↗ +4.9%
$117,790
$90K $151K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 600 openings/yr 8K employed nationally
↗ +3.8%
$106,660
$82K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 13,200 openings/yr 156K employed nationally
↗ +9.6%
$105,070
$72K $177K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 24,100 openings/yr 267K employed nationally
↗ +0.9%
$90,390
$71K $116K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 4,500 openings/yr 46K employed nationally
↗ +2.0%
$80,960
$52K $106K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,300 openings/yr 21K employed nationally
↗ +6.7%
$78,760
$58K $108K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 87,200 openings/yr 900K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

Only 4 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public 100 86% $16,200 $67,170
2 Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public 17 45.9% $24,323 $65,337
3 Hood College Frederick, MD · Nonprofit 6 77.8% $20,873 $57,089
4 Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA · Public 5 87.8% $15,282 $44,666

Ranked by Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Degree: Pros & Cons

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $34,802 at graduation to $46,475 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +9.6% over the next decade, with Personal Financial Advisor among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 215,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Modest median earnings Four-year median of $46,475 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
  • High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($32,932) and 75th ($61,944) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
  • Limited program availability Only 6 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates earn?
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates earn a national median of $46,475 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,932 and $61,944. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree?
One year after graduation, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree holders earn a median of $34,802. That climbs to $46,475 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree?
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Marketing Manager, which pays a median of $166,790/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences program take?
A Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences?
6 colleges and universities in the United States offer Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $46,475 and an average net price of roughly $19,170/yr, a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences and Family & Consumer Sciences?
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences is a focused concentration within the broader Family & Consumer Sciences field. The Family & Consumer Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates?
Employers hiring Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
What is the job outlook for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates?
The job outlook for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Personal Financial Advisor is among the strongest-growth roles at +9.6%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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