2026 Best Value Human Development Family Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Development Family Studies associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1057 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Hennepin Technical College, our #1 best-value Human Development Family Studies school in the United States. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
A rank of #2 makes Metropolitan Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minneapolis Community And Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
Out of the 1057 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #4 spot. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $16,165. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,165 median debt. More on Southeast Community College Area
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Delgado Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. Graduates carry a median of $37,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,305. That is a strong return on a $37,750 median debt. Read more about Delgado Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Located 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. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $12,457 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Cabrillo College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Aptos, CA, Cabrillo College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,270, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. Cabrillo College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,114 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cabrillo College report
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. 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. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $17,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,880. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $14,478. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,781 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,478 median debt. Read the full report on Delta College
Tulsa Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,792, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Graduates carry a median of $15,287 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tulsa Community College profile
Massasoit Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Brockton, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,376, while out-of-state students pay about $10,320. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $10,894. Median earnings reach $46,111 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,894 median debt. More on Massasoit Community College
Northern Virginia Community College placed #13 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,342 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,557. That is a strong return on a $16,342 median debt. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Prince Georges Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Largo, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, compared with $8,762 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,949 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Prince Georges Community College
Cowley County Community College placed #15 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Cowley County Community College is a public school based in Arkansas City, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,600. Graduates carry a median of $9,312 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,723 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cowley County Community College profile
North Shore Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $9,622. Median earnings reach $45,391 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,622 median debt. Read more about North Shore Community College
Saint Louis Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in Bridgeton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $11,424. Median earnings reach $35,325 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. More on Saint Louis Community College
Santa Ana College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Santa Ana College is a public school based in Santa Ana, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,552. Set against $6,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
Kellogg Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Kellogg Community College is a public school based in Battle Creek, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,118, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. Students borrow a median of $20,432 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,329. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kellogg Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $21,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
Fresno City College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $8,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,361. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fresno City College profile
San Joaquin Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $9,772. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $6,382. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,212 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
South Dakota State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $11,500. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Grand Rapids Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Rapids Community College is a public school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,179, compared with $12,219 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,863 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grand Rapids Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
American Public University System placed #26 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Kansas City, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,281 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,796. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Community College Of Allegheny County ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Community College Of Allegheny County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $9,651 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,449. Set against $9,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Community College Of Allegheny County
Greenville Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, while out-of-state students pay about $10,775. Greenville Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $15,125 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,125 median debt. Get the full Greenville Technical College report
Holyoke Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,988, compared with $10,932 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $9,763. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,277. Set against $9,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Holyoke Community College
El Camino Community College District ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in Torrance, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,144, while out-of-state students pay about $7,630. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,589 ten years after entry. See the full El Camino Community College District profile
Ohio University Lancaster Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lancaster, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $19,343. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ohio University Lancaster Campus
East Central Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Decatur, MS, East Central Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,990 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,090 for out-of-state students. East Central Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. East Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,421 a decade after entry. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full East Central Community College report
Baker College Of Flint offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owosso, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,000. Students borrow a median of $33,250 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Baker College Of Flint
Nicholls State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Students borrow a median of $24,513 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Set against $24,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nicholls State University profile
Ferris State University placed #36 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $28,385 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $28,385 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Ohio University Southern Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ironton, OH, Ohio University Southern Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, with out-of-state students paying around $9,444. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $19,343. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ohio University Southern Campus report
Laredo Community College placed #37 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Laredo Community College is a public school based in Laredo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $6,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Laredo Community College report
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Chillicothe, OH, Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $19,343. Ohio University Chillicothe Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $19,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
Erie Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Erie Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $12,580 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,228 ten years after entry. Set against $12,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Erie Community College
Pulaski Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Pulaski Technical College is a public school based in North Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $6,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $15,043. Pulaski Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,722 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,043 median debt. Read more about Pulaski Technical College
Hinds Community College placed #42 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. Hinds Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $20,228 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,774. That is a strong return on a $20,228 median debt. More on Hinds Community College
Hudson Valley Community College placed #43 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Located in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, compared with $11,852 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,216 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,460 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,216 median debt. Read the full report on Hudson Valley Community College
Tidewater Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Graduates carry a median of $13,638 in student loans. Tidewater Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,638 median debt. Read more about Tidewater Community College
Midlands Technical College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,700. Students borrow a median of $21,882 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Midlands Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,701 a decade after entry. Set against $21,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Midlands Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. That is a strong return on a $9,258 median debt. Get the full Central New Mexico Community College report
El Paso Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $8,542. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full El Paso Community College profile
York Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Rock Hill, SC, York Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,036, with out-of-state students paying around $13,340. Graduates carry a median of $10,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,250 median debt. Read the full report on York Technical College
Polk State College placed #49 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Winter Haven, FL, Polk State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,694, while out-of-state students pay about $9,818. Graduates carry a median of $14,806 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,624. That is a strong return on a $14,806 median debt. More on Polk State College
City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $8,478 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College
Related Human Development Family Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
These rankings are produced 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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