Compare 40 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $45,325. Top programs: $58,530+.
The highest-earning Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $35K earnings gap across 40 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. A regional public in California leads the field, while well-known research universities land mid-table — exactly the kind of surprise that makes program-level data essential. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Topping the list, San Francisco State University's program delivers $58,530 in median earnings — above the $45,325 field average by more than $13K. The University of Alabama ranks second at $57,205 and Texas Tech third at $56,117, both large public universities outperforming many better-known institutions. The pattern is consistent: program execution at accessible regional schools drives earnings, not school-name recognition.
For students borrowing on their own, CUNY Queens College sets the standard: graduates carry just $10,298 in student debt and face a 5.3% payment burden — firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments take a minimal slice of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, California State University-Northridge leads with a 12.3% combined family burden, rated 'Manageable.' The best choice depends on who's carrying the debt.
Highest program earnings: $58,530
Strong outcomes ($58,530) with 96% acceptance rate
5.3% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
12.3% family burden | Manageable — payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $58,530 | 5 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $57,205 | 120 | $22,750 | Good | $48,666 | High | |
| #3 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $56,117 | 363 | $21,500 | Good | $23,443 | Challenging |
| #4 | $55,830 | 42 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $55,327 | 182 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Montana State UniversityPublic | $52,702 | 148 | $22,500 | Good | $25,000 | Challenging |
| #7 | $52,041 | 48 | $21,106 | Good | $13,695 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $51,806 | 30 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #9 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $51,531 | 14 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | Challenging |
| #10 | $50,361 | 403 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $49,840 | 14 | $21,983 | Good | $19,433 | Challenging | |
| #12 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $49,593 | 10 | $21,250 | Good | $27,283 | High |
| #13 | $49,209 | 33 | $21,500 | Good | $17,781 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Morgan State UniversityPublic | $49,198 | 13 | $27,250 | Manageable | $22,000 | High |
| #15 | Cuny Queens CollegePublic | $49,054 | 40 | $10,298 | Excellent | $17,680 | Manageable |
| #16 | $48,596 | 18 | $29,251 | Manageable | $16,237 | High | |
| #17 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $47,296 | 37 | $22,500 | Manageable | $30,006 | High |
| #18 | University Of WyomingPublic | $47,250 | 21 | $18,000 | Good | $16,000 | Challenging |
| #19 | $46,421 | 27 | $18,450 | Good | $13,000 | Challenging | |
| #20 | $46,136 | 65 | $28,250 | Manageable | $19,245 | High | |
| #21 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | $44,814 | 12 | $31,000 | Challenging | $19,266 | High |
| #22 | $44,600 | 106 | $23,409 | Manageable | $18,080 | High | |
| #23 | $43,937 | 24 | $27,000 | Manageable | $20,004 | High | |
| #24 | $43,492 | 17 | $27,000 | Manageable | $24,886 | High | |
| #25 | $42,493 | 46 | $20,346 | Manageable | $16,180 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
