Compare 138 Family Systems. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $46,384. Top programs: $73,066+.
The highest-earning Family Systems program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $51K earnings gap across 138 programs — from $21,508 to $73,066 — the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Where you study Family Systems matters far more than the name on the diploma.
Cornell University's Family Systems program leads with graduates earning $73,066 — well above the $46,384 national average. But the more instructive story is right behind it: the University of Virginia ($71,638) and University of Maryland-College Park ($65,136) both deliver near-top earnings at public-school net prices, demonstrating that strong outcomes in this field don't require a private-school price tag.
Cornell's Family Systems graduates borrow just $14,000 in student loans and face a 3.8% payment burden — firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments are a minimal share of post-grad income. For families weighing parent loans too, Florida State University delivers the lowest combined burden at 12.8%, rated 'Manageable.' The best financial choice depends on who's borrowing. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $73,066
Strong outcomes ($61,565) with 87% acceptance rate
3.8% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
12.8% family burden | Manageable — payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $73,066 | 66 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable |
| #2 | $71,638 | 58 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $65,136 | 101 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Challenging | |
| #4 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $62,663 | 274 | $18,000 | Excellent | $17,000 | Manageable |
| #5 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | $62,506 | 125 | $18,500 | Excellent | $27,270 | Manageable |
| #6 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $61,565 | 33 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Manageable |
| #7 | $61,262 | 99 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #8 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $59,664 | 169 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Manageable |
| #9 | $59,166 | 158 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $59,044 | 136 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $58,834 | 149 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $58,340 | 209 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $57,898 | 228 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $57,888 | 165 | $21,500 | Good | $35,324 | Challenging | |
| #15 | Towson UniversityPublic | $57,295 | 17 | $18,718 | Excellent | $28,489 | Challenging |
| #16 | Pacific Oaks CollegePrivate | $56,791 | 73 | $29,105 | Good | $12,485 | Manageable |
| #17 | $55,294 | 50 | $17,832 | Excellent | $15,277 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $55,186 | 64 | $26,814 | Good | $36,545 | High | |
| #19 | $55,181 | 30 | $20,500 | Good | $21,716 | Challenging | |
| #20 | University Of HoustonPublic | $54,871 | 99 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Manageable |
| #21 | $54,858 | 17 | $19,500 | Good | $22,000 | Challenging | |
| #22 | Suny OneontaPublic | $53,836 | 57 | $19,812 | Good | $24,845 | Challenging |
| #23 | $53,740 | 113 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #24 | Merrimack CollegePrivate | $53,734 | 114 | $27,000 | Good | $50,540 | High |
| #25 | $53,575 | 271 | $22,000 | Good | $24,693 | Challenging |
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 →
