Human Development & Family Studies at Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA · Public · Associate Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

serving 11,182 students in New Orleans, LA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $21,709/yr, roughly in line with the $24,123 national median for Human Development & Family Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 35.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 33% of job tasks, producing a 34% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $31,707 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,709 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #49 out of 85 programs, Delgado Community College's financial outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $21,709 to $31,645 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Human Development & Family Studies connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
54
Score
56
High End
Earnings $21,709/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$344K
9.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
36.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$9,356
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,707
17.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,645
46% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Human Development & Family Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Psychologists, all other $117,580 +4.3% 56%
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340 -1.7% 48%
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280 +3.4% 46%
Psychologists, all other
$117,580
+4.3% growth 56% AI-proof
Social scientists and related workers, all other
$100,340
-1.7% growth 48% AI-proof
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary
$77,280
+3.4% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

About Human Development & Family Studies Careers

Your career path often begins on the front lines, either in a bustling community center or a vibrant preschool classroom. You’ll work directly with people, helping a family navigate social service applications on a computer one moment, then guiding children through a creative learning activity with art supplies the next. The work is hands-on, focused on providing direct support and guidance.

Read the full Human Development & Family Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies Overview

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Delgado Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Delgado Community College's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 54/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Human Development & Family Studies programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI affect Human Development & Family Studies careers?
AI won't 'replace' Human Development & Family Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
Do Delgado Community College Human Development & Family Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Human Development & Family Studies occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Human Development & Family Studies workers?
The career paths mapped to Human Development & Family Studies have roughly 297,800 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →