2026 Best Value Human Development Family Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Development Family Studies programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1057 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Hennepin Technical College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $17,887. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Out of the 1057 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #2 spot. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $12,799. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Southern Crescent Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Human Development Family Studies ranking in the United States. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Graduates carry a median of $29,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. Set against $29,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
You'll get strong value at Minneapolis Community And Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $29,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #5 on this year's best-value Human Development Family Studies ranking in the United States. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Students borrow a median of $23,246 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $23,246 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Southeast Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $16,165 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Set against $16,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Delgado Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Graduates carry a median of $37,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,750 median debt. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Cabrillo College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,270, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cabrillo College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Students borrow a median of $12,457 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,457 median debt. Read more about Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $17,650 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,399 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $11,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,640. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $39,697. Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program alumni report median earnings of $55,204 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Pacific Oaks College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pasadena, CA, Pacific Oaks College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,520. Students borrow a median of $27,715 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $52,485 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pacific Oaks College has an acceptance rate of 34%. Read the full report on Pacific Oaks College
Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $14,478. Median earnings reach $37,781 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Delta College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public school based in Calmar, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Tulsa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,792, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $15,287. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,746. That is a strong return on a $15,287 median debt. Read the full report on Tulsa Community College
Massasoit Community College placed #19 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brockton, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,894 in student loans. Massasoit Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,111 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Massasoit Community College profile
Prince Georges Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Largo, MD, Prince Georges Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,034, with out-of-state students paying around $8,762. Prince Georges Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $13,949 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,548. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Prince Georges Community College report
Northern Virginia Community College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Graduates carry a median of $16,342 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. Set against $16,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northern Virginia Community College report
Saint Louis Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $11,424. Saint Louis Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,325 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Louis Community College
Cowley County Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Arkansas City, KS, Cowley County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800, with out-of-state students paying around $6,600. Students borrow a median of $9,312 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,723. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cowley County Community College report
Kellogg Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Battle Creek, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,118, compared with $8,282 for out-of-state students. Kellogg Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $20,432 in debt. Kellogg Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,329 a decade after entry. Set against $20,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kellogg Community College report
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $26,569. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Santa Ana College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,630 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Santa Ana College alumni report median earnings of $43,552 a decade after entry. Set against $6,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Santa Ana College
North Shore Community College placed #27 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Located in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Students borrow a median of $9,622 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. That is a strong return on a $9,622 median debt. Read the full report on North Shore Community College
Concordia University Seward landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $26,726. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Concordia University Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,410. Concordia University Ann Arbor Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $27,584 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Concordia University Ann Arbor
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Ozarks Technical Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,455. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ozarks Technical Community College profile
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. More on South Dakota State University
American Public University System came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $26,340 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,340 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
University Of The District Of Columbia placed #34 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Students borrow a median of $43,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $44,236 ten years out. Set against $43,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of The District Of Columbia
Palm Beach State College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,050, with out-of-state students paying around $10,910. Palm Beach State College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $11,984 in debt. Palm Beach State College alumni report median earnings of $41,923 a decade after entry. Set against $11,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Palm Beach State College report
Fresno City College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Fresno City College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $8,000 in debt. Fresno City College alumni report median earnings of $37,361 a decade after entry. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Fresno City College report
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,772 for out-of-state students. San Joaquin Delta College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,382 median debt. See the full San Joaquin Delta College profile
Baker College Of Flint came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,000. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $33,250. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Baker College Of Flint
University Of Delaware came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware
Des Moines Area Community College placed #41 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
California State University East Bay placed #42 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,401 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about California State University East Bay
Greenville Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,495 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Graduates carry a median of $15,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,473. Set against $15,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Greenville Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $9,258 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
National Louis University placed #45 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $28,096 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. Set against $28,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about National Louis University
Ashford University placed #46 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Students borrow a median of $36,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Set against $36,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ashford University profile
Grand Rapids Community College placed #47 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,179, compared with $12,219 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,863 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Grand Rapids Community College
Western Michigan University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $29,539. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $29,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $12,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,796. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City report
Hinds Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. Graduates carry a median of $20,228 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,774 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hinds Community College report
Central Michigan University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,209 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,209 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Best Value Human Development Family Studies Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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