Only 35 colleges in the country offer Housing and Human Environments, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $59,550.
Housing and Human Environments is a focused area of study within Family & Consumer Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $59,550 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 35 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 314 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
$38,637
Median Earnings · 4yr
$59,550
Colleges Offering
35
Graduates / Year
314
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,562
How Much Do Housing and Human Environments Graduates Earn?
Housing and Human Environments graduates earn $59,550 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,708 and $74,275. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $38,637 climbs to $59,550 by year four.
$38,637
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$59,550
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$52,861
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Housing and Human Environments 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.
$43,70825th pct.
$59,550Median
$74,27575th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $59,550 and an estimated $70,248 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.
Based on outcomes from 19 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 314 students who complete Housing and Human Environments programs each year, the majority (60%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
60%28%
Bachelor's60%
Master's28%
Post-Bacc Cert.7%
What Can You Do With a Housing and Human Environments Degree?
Housing and Human Environments connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Facilities Managers leads at $106,660/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.
Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
Research health and safety code requirements to inform design.
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.
Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities
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.
Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
Top Colleges for Housing and Human Environments
The 14 colleges below are ranked by how many Housing and Human Environments students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Housing and Human Environments graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Family & Consumer Sciences Programs
Housing and Human Environments is one of 8 specializations within Family & Consumer Sciences. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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Housing and Human Environments Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Housing and Human Environments shows 3 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $59,550 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $38,637 at graduation to $59,550 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 37,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Limited program availabilityOnly 35 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
Housing and Human Environments Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Housing and Human Environments graduates earn?
Housing and Human Environments graduates earn a national median of $59,550 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,708 and $74,275. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Housing and Human Environments degree?
One year after graduation, Housing and Human Environments degree holders earn a median of $38,637. That climbs to $59,550 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Housing and Human Environments degree?
Housing and Human Environments degree holders pursue careers including Facilities Managers, which pays a median of $106,660/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Housing and Human Environments program take?
A Housing and Human Environments 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 Housing and Human Environments?
35 colleges and universities in the United States offer Housing and Human Environments programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Housing and Human Environments degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $59,550 and an average net price of roughly $17,562/yr, a Housing and Human Environments 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 Housing and Human Environments and Family & Consumer Sciences?
Housing and Human Environments 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 Housing and Human Environments-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 Housing and Human Environments graduates?
Employers hiring Housing and Human Environments 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.
Is graduate school worth it for Housing and Human Environments graduates?
With a median salary of $59,550, graduate study in Housing and Human Environments can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Housing and Human Environments graduates?
The job outlook for Housing and Human Environments graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Event Planners is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Family & Consumer Sciences Programs
Other programs in Family & Consumer Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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H
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