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

2026 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

28 Colleges in the United States
$16,858 Avg Student Debt
$45,907 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Human Development & Family Studies Badge [Human Development & Family Studies](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 148 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 Great Lakes Region

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

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College tops our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earn a median of $34,294 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Students looking for strong value in human development & family studies will find it at City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $12,272. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earn a median of $30,292 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Students looking for strong value in human development & family studies will find it at Moraine Valley Community College, which ranked #3. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Moraine Valley Community College earn a median of $43,844 early in their careers. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

City Colleges Of Chicago Harry S Truman College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in human development & family studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Harry S Truman College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $11,458. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $37,381. Set against $11,458 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Illinois Valley Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in human development & family studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Oglesby, Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $8,099. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $33,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Lewis And Clark Community College earned the #6 position for value in human development & family studies this year. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Students borrow a median of $9,602 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $41,313. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt.

7

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College landed the #7 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $11,533. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College generally make around $33,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Washtenaw Community College landed the #8 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,736, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Washtenaw Community College generally make around $45,332. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt.

9
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College landed the #9 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $17,310 in student loans. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $30,486. That is a strong return on a $17,310 median debt.

10
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College placed #10 among the best values for human development & family studies. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. Students from in state pay about $3,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $10,963. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Kankakee Community College landed the #11 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Kankakee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,830. Students borrow a median of $13,289 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Kankakee Community College earn a median of $60,509 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Macomb Community College placed #12 among the best values for human development & family studies. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Macomb Community College earn a median of $38,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt.

13

College Of Lake County came in at #13 for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. That is a strong return on a $9,785 median debt.

14

Joliet Junior College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $11,995. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Lincoln Land Community College came in at #15 for value in human development & family studies this year. Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $3,744 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $11,272. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Lincoln Land Community College earn a median of $43,834 early in their careers. Set against $11,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Highland Community College Freeport earned the #16 position for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the rural area of Freeport, Highland Community College Freeport is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,360. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $13,783. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $46,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Northwestern Michigan College placed #17 among the best values for human development & family studies. Located in the city of Traverse City, Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,860, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. Students borrow a median of $17,694 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Northwestern Michigan College generally make around $49,210. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18
Kellogg Community College crest
Kellogg Community College
Battle Creek, MI

Kellogg Community College earned the #18 position for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,118, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $20,432. Early-career human development & family studies graduates make about $32,616. Set against $20,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Richland Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Richland Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Decatur. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,680, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $9,562. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Richland Community College generally make around $46,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage earned the #20 position for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Typical student debt for human development & family studies graduates is $12,492. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $43,025 early in their careers. Set against $12,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Sinclair Community College landed the #21 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $35,348 early in their careers. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI

Delta College came in at #22 for value in human development & family studies this year. Located in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Students borrow a median of $14,478 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Human Development & Family Studies graduates of Delta College earn a median of $21,881 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,478 median debt.

23

Waubonsee Community College came in at #23 for value in human development & family studies this year. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,504, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Students borrow a median of $9,939 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Waubonsee Community College generally make around $39,659. That is a strong return on a $9,939 median debt.

24
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College landed the #24 spot for human development & family studies value this year. Set in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,462. Human Development & Family Studies graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Oakton Community College generally make around $48,838. That is a strong return on a $7,750 median debt.

25

Schoolcraft College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value human development & family studies schools. Set in the city of Livonia, Schoolcraft College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,677 to complete the human development & family studies program here. Soon after graduation, human development & family studies degree recipients from Schoolcraft College generally make around $46,283. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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

These schools also delivered strong value for human development & family studies this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
32
33
34
35
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL
36
37
Morton College crest
Morton College
Cicero, IL
38
39
40
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL
41
42
John A Logan College crest
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Narrow Human Development & Family Studies Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Human Development & Family Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 148 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 28 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