ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

128 Colleges in the United States
$24,327 Avg Student Debt
$57,947 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Bachelor's Degree Badge [Human Development & Family Studies](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 1057 schools to find the best return on investment for human development & family studies students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 14
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 19.07), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Marriage & Family Counseling / Therapy (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Marriage & Family Counseling / Therapy (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Marriage & Family Therapy (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Marriage & Family Therapy (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BSW - Social Work (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BSW - Social Work (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DSW - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DSW - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSW - Social Work (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSW - Social Work (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "PhD - Social Work (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Doctorate Programs (I Have a Masters)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Doctorate Programs (I Have a Masters)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Work & Social Sciences Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

2026 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the human development & family studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Schools

1

California State University San Bernardino tops our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $15,149. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $42,421. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

2
Berea College crest
Berea College
Berea, KY

Berea College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Berea College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berea. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,658. Students borrow a median of $5,801 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Berea College earn a median of $31,428 early in their careers. Set against $5,801 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.

3
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is a great value for students pursuing a degree in human development & family studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $17,296 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

4

California State University Fresno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in human development & family studies, landing the #4 spot this year. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $49,502. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.

5

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $20,871 in student loans. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $26,897. That is a strong return on a $20,871 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Southeastern Oklahoma State University landed the #6 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $32,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.

7

Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #7 for value in human development & family studies this year. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $21,619. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

8

California State University Long Beach earned the #8 position for value in human development & family studies this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $30,205. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.

9

New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,938 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $25,965. Set against $20,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of North Texas At Dallas landed the #10 spot for human development & family studies value this year. University Of North Texas At Dallas is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,595, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Utah Valley University placed #11 among the best values for human development & family studies. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $13,500. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $20,971 early in their careers. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #12 among the best values for human development & family studies. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $29,690 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

13

California State University San Marcos came in at #13 for value in human development & family studies this year. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,193 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of California State University San Marcos earn a median of $31,184 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants.

14

California State University East Bay ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. California State University East Bay is a large public school located in the suburb of Hayward. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $41,195 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #15 for value in human development & family studies this year. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $26,000. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $33,878. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin came in at #16 for value in human development & family studies this year. Set in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $20,052. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $60,503. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

17

University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $23,439. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

University Of California San Diego ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $19,342 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $33,489 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,342 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #19 for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $26,516. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $62,536. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.

20

American Public University System placed #20 among the best values for human development & family studies. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $36,275 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $34,347 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Texas Womans University landed the #21 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,170 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $30,619 early in their careers. Set against $24,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

22

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #22 for value in human development & family studies this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $28,964. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $27,514. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

23

Weber State University placed #23 among the best values for human development & family studies. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $18,792 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $35,861. Set against $18,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,648 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $23,693 in student loans. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Suny Empire State College earn a median of $58,140 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $17,500. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $36,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s human development & family studies value ranking:

26
27
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
28
29
30
Georgia Gwinnett College crest
Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville, GA
31
32
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
33
34
35
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
36
37
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
38
39
40
41
42
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Other Human Development & Family Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best-value human development & family studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Human Development & Family Studies
Associate's Degrees in Human Development & Family Studies
Master's Degrees in Human Development & Family Studies
ADBLOCK #173
View All Human Development & Family Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 1057 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 128 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options