Human Development & Family Studies at Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL · Public · Certificate · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

with 20,532 students enrolled in Lake Worth, FL.

Program Analysis

Palm Beach State College's Human Development & Family Studies graduates start at $28,328/yr — above the $24,123 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 97.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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 #8 of 85 programs, this Human Development & Family Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $28,328 to $28,464 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
70
Score
72
High End
Earnings $28,328/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$296K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
97.2x
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)
$3,050
Out-of-state: $10,910
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,464
0% 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 Palm Beach State 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 does a 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Palm Beach State College?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Human Development & Family Studies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How vulnerable is Human Development & Family Studies to AI automation?
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?
Human Development & Family Studies connects to 3 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
With approximately 297,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Human Development & Family Studies offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →