2026 Best Human Development Family Studies Schools
Looking for the best Human Development Family Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1057 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Human Development Family Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Cornell University this year in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Read more about Cornell University
Pacific Oaks College came in at #2 on this year's Human Development Family Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Pasadena, CA, Pacific Oaks College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Pacific Oaks College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $27,715 in debt. Read more about Pacific Oaks College
The strong Human Development Family Studies programs at Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $39,697. Read the full report on Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program
Out of the 1057 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Hennepin Technical College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Hennepin Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $17,887 in debt. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Out of the 1057 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Tufts University landed the #5 spot. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $16,170 in debt. Read the full report on Tufts University
University Of Delaware ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $24,861. Read more about University Of Delaware
California State University East Bay placed #7 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. California State University East Bay Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
North Dakota State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #8 position. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. North Dakota State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $26,569 in debt. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Hope International University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Hope International University posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $28,405. Read more about Hope International University
Montclair State University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Montclair State University graduates 65% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $25,250. Read more about Montclair State University
Erikson Institute placed #11 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Erikson Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Erikson Institute
Clemson University did well this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $23,783. Read more about Clemson University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #13 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $19,600. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #14 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $23,858 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Howard University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,810. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $25,498. Get the full Howard University report
Cabrillo College did well this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Aptos, CA, Cabrillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,270, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. See the full Cabrillo College profile
Michigan State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. See the full Michigan State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #18 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $21,500. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $19,533. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Loma Linda University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,960. Graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. See the full Loma Linda University profile
Washington State University placed #21 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $21,500. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Seattle Pacific University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $25,188. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
Western Michigan University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $29,539 in student loans. More on Western Michigan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Human Development Family Studies Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of Georgia landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $23,466. More on University Of Georgia
Appalachian State University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. Get the full Appalachian State University report
Texas Tech University placed #30 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. About 69% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Iowa State University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. More on Iowa State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #32 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Stout Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #33 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $23,246. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Concordia University Ann Arbor placed #34 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. Concordia University Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,410. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $27,584. Get the full Concordia University Ann Arbor report
Northern Virginia Community College did well this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,891, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. Northern Virginia Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $16,342 in debt. More on Northern Virginia Community College
University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Warner Pacific College did well this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Portland, OR, Warner Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. Warner Pacific College graduates 49% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,220. Graduates carry a median of $39,697 in student loans. Get the full Warner Pacific College report
University Of Florida landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $17,296. More on University Of Florida
University Of Northern Iowa did well this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $23,000. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Stevenson University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stevenson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,560. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full Stevenson University profile
Harcum College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bryn Mawr, PA. Students from in state pay about $32,000 in tuition and fees. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $21,375. See the full Harcum College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College did well this year, earning the #42 position. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $29,625. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Cet San Jose came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Cet San Jose is a private not-for-profit school based in San Jose, CA. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $6,837. Read the full report on Cet San Jose
Illinois State University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Read more about Illinois State University
Kansas State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Kansas State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full Kansas State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $15,304. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
South Dakota State University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $24,500. Read more about South Dakota State University
University Of The District Of Columbia placed #48 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,662, with out-of-state students paying around $12,514. Graduates carry a median of $43,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of The District Of Columbia
Messiah College did well this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mechanicsburg, PA. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $27,000. More on Messiah College
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #50 among Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best Human Development Family Studies schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. About 54% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Best Human Development Family Studies Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Human Development Family Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Human Development Family Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1057 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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