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Human Development & Family Studies at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Certificate · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Ferris State University's Human Development & Family Studies program earn $49,671/yr in their first year — 106% above the $24,123 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 45.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Development & Family Studies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $28,796 against $49,671/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Ferris State University ranks #4 among 85 Human Development & Family Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 24% earnings increase from $49,671 to $61,396 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

For students considering alternatives, 3 registered apprenticeship programs align with Human Development & Family Studies careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
73
Score
75
High End
Earnings $49,671/yr (106% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$638K
5.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
46.8x
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
$13,630
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,796
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,396
24% 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 →

Human Development & Family Studies Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Human Development & Family Studies — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Ferris State University and 84 other schools.

Read the full Human Development & Family Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies Overview

View all 85 schools offering Human Development & Family Studies →

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Campbellsville University ($37,685) City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College ($37,381) North Shore Community College ($34,978) Arapahoe Community College ($34,716) City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College ($34,294) Southern Crescent Technical College ($34,002) Tulsa Community College ($33,103) Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City ($32,967)

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Precision Metalworking ($68,852) Vehicle Repair Technology ($68,791) Health Administration ($68,630) Quality Control & Safety Technology ($67,753) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($62,282) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($56,819) Precision Metalworking ($56,811) Heavy Equipment Technology ($55,532)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Human Development & Family Studies degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Human Development & Family Studies at Ferris State University?
A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Ferris State University's Human Development & Family Studies graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at Ferris State University?
Our scenarios model 33% of Human Development & Family Studies tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Ferris State University's 73/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Why does Ferris State University rank so high for Human Development & Family Studies?
The #4 ranking out of 85 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Human Development & Family Studies occupations, such as Child Care Development Specialist and Direct Support Specialist (Alternate Title: Assistant Case Manager). 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?
Job availability for Human Development & Family Studies is strong — 297,800 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Ferris State University graduates specifically, local market conditions in MI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →