Human Development & Family Studies at East Central Community College

Decatur, MS · Public · Associate Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 1,584 in Decatur, MS.

Program Analysis

East Central Community College's Human Development & Family Studies program produces graduates earning $21,950/yr — within striking distance of the $24,123 national average for this trade.

The 29.7x 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 risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Human Development & Family Studies graduates.

At #59 out of 85 programs, East Central Community College's financial outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $21,950 to $22,630 over five years (3% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
52
Score
54
High End
Earnings $21,950/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$230K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
29.7x
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 (In-State)
$7,730
Out-of-state: $11,930
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,630
3% 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 East Central Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Human Development & Family Studies at East Central Community College?
This program scores 52/100 — 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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Human Development & Family Studies?
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 →