2026 Best Value Human Development Family Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Development Family Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1057 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Minnesota State University Mankato tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Human Development Family Studies master's degree schools in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. 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
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Human Development Family Studies ranking in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,569. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $26,569 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
A rank of #3 makes Concordia University Saint Paul one of the best values in the United States. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $30,583. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Set against $30,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Seward, which ranked #4 this year. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
You'll get strong value at Saint Marys University Of Minnesota, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Concordia University Ann Arbor placed #6 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,410 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,584 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Concordia University Ann Arbor
University Of La Verne ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $65,464 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of La Verne has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on University Of La Verne
Montclair State University placed #8 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
University Of Delaware ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $24,861. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Pacific Oaks College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Pacific Oaks College is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Graduates carry a median of $27,715 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,485. That is a strong return on a $27,715 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Pacific Oaks College profile
Northern Illinois University placed #11 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Missouri State University Springfield placed #13 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Erikson Institute landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Erikson Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Erikson Institute
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
National Louis University placed #16 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $28,096 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $28,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full National Louis University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Clemson University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $23,783. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. See the full Clemson University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #19 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $19,343. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Central Missouri ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Towson University
University Of North Alabama landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $24,291 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Alabama
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full East Carolina University profile
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $22,295 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Development Family Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $21,875. 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
Iowa State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Georgia ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $23,466 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Loma Linda University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Loma Linda, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $29,960. Loma Linda University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $25,094 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,816 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Loma Linda University
Kansas State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kansas State University
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $15,304. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $15,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $23,858 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $23,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,990. Students borrow a median of $33,885 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $33,885 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. More on Eastern Michigan University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #35 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
Nova Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,209 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $32,062 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $32,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, 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. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Texas Womans University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Human Development Family Studies program debt is $24,170. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,170 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
The University Of Alabama came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. The University Of Alabama Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
Kent State University At Kent came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Development Family Studies student debt is $26,913. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Human Development Family Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Arizona State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
Michigan State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $29,750 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Michigan State University
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about Florida State University
University Of Florida placed #48 among the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
The University Of Tennessee landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $22,790 in debt. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Oregon State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Development Family Studies schools. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Oregon State University Human Development Family Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oregon State University 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 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 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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