2026 Best Value Human Development Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Development Family Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1057 colleges 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 evaluated schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Human Development Family Studies bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $23,246 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,246 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
A rank of #2 makes Pacific Oaks College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Pasadena, CA, Pacific Oaks College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $27,715. Pacific Oaks College alumni report median earnings of $52,485 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,715 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. More on Pacific Oaks College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $11,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program came in at #4 on this year's best-value Human Development Family Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,640. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $39,697. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,204. That is a strong return on a $39,697 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program report
A rank of #5 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. 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. Set against $26,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,569. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $26,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
South Dakota State University placed #7 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
University Of The District Of Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $43,500. Median earnings reach $44,236 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $43,500 median debt. See the full University Of The District Of Columbia profile
Baker College Of Flint came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owosso, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $13,000. Students borrow a median of $33,250 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $35,833 ten years out. Set against $33,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. National Louis University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $28,096 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $28,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full National Louis University profile
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University East Bay profile
Western Michigan University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $29,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $29,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Western Michigan University
Ashford University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $36,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Set against $36,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ashford University report
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $27,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $27,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
Ferris State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $28,385 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Ferris State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,084. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Walden University placed #18 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $53,461 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University
Montclair State University placed #18 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montclair State University report
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $31,000. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Northern Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,858 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Warner Pacific College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Portland, OR, Warner Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,220 in tuition and fees. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $39,697. Warner Pacific College 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 has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Warner Pacific College
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Iowa Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Bowie State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $26,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,537. Set against $26,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bowie State University
Appalachian State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $18,935. Appalachian State University alumni report median earnings of $51,836 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Appalachian State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
East Tennessee State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Graduates carry a median of $20,032 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Tennessee State University
University Of Central Missouri came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Central Missouri report
Suny College At Oneonta offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,781. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Oneonta has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Suny College At Oneonta profile
Texas Tech University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Post University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This private for-profit school is set in Waterbury, CT. Students from in state pay about $15,922 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $42,597 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $42,597 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Post University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #32 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,000. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Iowa State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $24,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
Illinois State University placed #36 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $23,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
Eastern Michigan University placed #37 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $33,885 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
California State University Long Beach placed #38 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Washington State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
Howard University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,810. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $25,498. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,066. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants. Get the full Howard University report
Kansas State University placed #41 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Florida State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $20,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University
Texas Womans University placed #43 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $24,170. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,649 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,649 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Sonoma State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. Graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,986 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Sonoma State University
California State University San Marcos landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $17,193. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
Georgia Southern University placed #47 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $30,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Georgia Southern University
University Of Nevada Reno placed #48 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $17,296 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,296 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Kent State University At Kent came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,913. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,913 median debt. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
University Of Houston landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $22,450. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Framingham State University placed #52 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Framingham State University is a public school based in Framingham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,920, compared with $18,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,872 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Framingham State University alumni report median earnings of $52,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Framingham State University report
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 Associate’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. Rankings consider 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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