2026 Best Value Human Development Family Studies Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Development Family Studies certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Southern Crescent Technical College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Southern Crescent Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $29,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minneapolis Community And Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Graduates carry a median of $29,500 in student loans. Minneapolis Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,086 a decade after entry. Set against $29,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $16,165. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cabrillo College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Aptos, CA, Cabrillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $10,425. Median earnings reach $44,114 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cabrillo College report
Out of the 1057 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #5 spot. Located in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $12,457 in debt. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $12,457 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Tulsa Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Tulsa Community College is a public school based in Tulsa, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $3,792, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Students borrow a median of $15,287 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,746. Set against $15,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tulsa Community College report
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $14,348 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Massasoit Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Massasoit Community College is a public school based in Brockton, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $10,894. Median earnings reach $46,111 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Massasoit Community College
Santa Ana College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. Set against $6,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
Northern Virginia Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $16,342. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,557. That is a strong return on a $16,342 median debt. Get the full Northern Virginia Community College report
Cowley County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Arkansas City, KS, Cowley County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, compared with $6,600 for out-of-state students. Cowley County Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $9,312 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cowley County Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $17,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Prince Georges Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Largo, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, while out-of-state students pay about $8,762. Graduates carry a median of $13,949 in student loans. 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
Palm Beach State College placed #14 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $11,984 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,923. Set against $11,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Palm Beach State College
Delta College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,880 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,478 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Delta College alumni report median earnings of $37,781 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Delta College report
Fresno City College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Fresno City College is a public school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,361 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fresno City College
North Shore Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. North Shore Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $9,622 in debt. North Shore Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Shore Community College
Central New Mexico Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $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. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Greenville Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Greenville Technical College is a public school based in Greenville, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $15,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Greenville Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $11,500. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,340 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Ferris State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,385 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report
Community College Of Allegheny County came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Community College Of Allegheny County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $12,583. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $9,651. Community College Of Allegheny County alumni report median earnings of $39,449 a decade after entry. Set against $9,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Community College Of Allegheny County
Pulaski Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in North Little Rock, AR, Pulaski Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,043 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,722. That is a strong return on a $15,043 median debt. Read the full report on Pulaski Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Grand Rapids Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Grand Rapids Community College is a public school based in Grand Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,179, while out-of-state students pay about $12,219. Grand Rapids Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $12,863 in debt. 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
Holyoke Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set 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. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $9,763. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,763 median debt. Get the full Holyoke Community College report
College Of The Sequoias placed #28 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. College Of The Sequoias is a public school based in Visalia, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $10,288. College Of The Sequoias alumni report median earnings of $39,092 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt. See the full College Of The Sequoias profile
Polk State College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Polk State College is a public school based in Winter Haven, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,694, compared with $9,818 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,806 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Polk State College alumni report median earnings of $40,624 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Polk State College
San Joaquin Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. San Joaquin Delta College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,212. That is a strong return on a $6,382 median debt. More on San Joaquin Delta College
Midlands Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,700. Graduates carry a median of $21,882 in student loans. 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. Get the full Midlands Technical College report
City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $8,478. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College report
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,962 ten years after entry. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College
El Paso Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. El Paso Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $8,542 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. Read the full report on El Paso Community College
Washington State University placed #36 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
York Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Rock Hill, SC, York Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,036 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,340 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $10,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,257. Set against $10,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about York Technical College
Tidewater Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Tidewater Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Tidewater Community College Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $13,638 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. That is a strong return on a $13,638 median debt. Get the full Tidewater Community College report
Purdue University Northwest ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $12,272. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,427. That is a strong return on a $12,272 median debt. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College profile
Eastern Washington University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $19,936. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,897. That is a strong return on a $19,936 median debt. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
West Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Paducah, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,928 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,891 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,928 median debt. Read the full report on West Kentucky Community And Technical College
Arizona State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $21,842. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Western Kentucky University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Kentucky University
Apollo Career Center landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lima, OH, Apollo Career Center is a public institution. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $11,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,101 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. More on Apollo Career Center
Unitech Training Academy Lafayette landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lafayette, LA, Unitech Training Academy Lafayette is a private for-profit institution. Unitech Training Academy Lafayette Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $4,394 in debt. Unitech Training Academy Lafayette alumni report median earnings of $24,707 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $4,394 median debt. See the full Unitech Training Academy Lafayette profile
Unitech Training Academy Baton Rouge offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private for-profit school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $4,394. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,707. Set against $4,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Unitech Training Academy Baton Rouge profile
Unitech Training Academy Alexandria placed #45 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Based in Alexandria, LA, Unitech Training Academy Alexandria is a private for-profit institution. Unitech Training Academy Alexandria Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $4,394 in debt. Median earnings reach $24,707 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Unitech Training Academy Alexandria report
Alcorn State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Alcorn State University
Clinton Essex Warren Washington Boces landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Clinton Essex Warren Washington Boces report
Related Human Development Family Studies Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Human Development Family Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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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