2026 Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1197 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 analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $25,808 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,333 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,333 median debt. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,250 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Delaware came in at #4 on this year's best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences ranking in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,953. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $23,953 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Delaware
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #5 this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $24,417. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Kansas State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,489 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,797. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #8 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $22,097. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $22,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Clemson University placed #9 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,783 in student loans. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Clemson University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $25,782. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $25,782 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #11 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $22,339 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $22,339 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Capella University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read more about Capella University
Texas Womans University placed #13 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $22,994. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,951 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $23,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $23,402 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $23,064 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $23,064 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Washington State University placed #17 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Based 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. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $22,983. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,983 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Washington State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,794 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $15,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #20 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $22,010. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $22,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Florida State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,023 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Set against $20,023 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
New York University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. New York University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,400 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $20,400 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
The University Of Tennessee came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,212 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $22,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Michigan State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Michigan State University profile
Oregon State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,813 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Oregon State University
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,508. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Set against $23,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Students borrow a median of $16,170 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Students borrow a median of $23,765 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,792. Set against $23,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Auburn University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $24,765 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $24,765 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Auburn University
University Of Kentucky came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $23,464. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Set against $23,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Syracuse University placed #33 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $23,822 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $23,822 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Syracuse University
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $15,846 in student loans. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Utah State University profile
Mississippi State University placed #35 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $26,841. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Set against $26,841 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mississippi State University profile
University Of Connecticut placed #36 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,059 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. Set against $23,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Connecticut
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,692 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,493. Set against $25,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayne State University report
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about Central Michigan University
College Of The Ozarks placed #39 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. See the full College Of The Ozarks profile
Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester
Oconee Fall Line Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
Patrick Henry Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Patrick Henry Community College profile
University Of Alaska Anchorage offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Voorhees College
Voorhees College placed #44 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. More on Voorhees College
Albany Technical College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. More on Albany Technical College
Foothill College
Foothill College placed #46 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. More on Foothill College
Jose Maria Vargas University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on Jose Maria Vargas University
Kennesaw State University placed #48 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. More on Kennesaw State University
Lincoln University Missouri came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Lincoln University Missouri
Northeast Technology Center System Office offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Northeast Technology Center System Office report
Related Family Consumer Human Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1197 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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