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Human Development & Family Studies at Southwest Virginia Community College

Cedar Bluff, VA · Public · Certificate · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

a compact campus enrolling 1,600 students in Cedar Bluff, VA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,582 place Southwest Virginia Community College below the $24,123 national median for Human Development & Family Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 41.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Human Development & Family Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Human Development & Family Studies's career paths, with 33% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #45 of 85 Human Development & Family Studies programs, Southwest Virginia Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

There are 3 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Human Development & Family Studies, including Child Care Development Specialist (median $32,050/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
55
Score
56
High End
Earnings $19,582/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$205K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.8x
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 (In-State)
$4,901
Out-of-state: $10,904

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

Explore what Human Development & Family Studies graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 85 programs nationwide.

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

Ferris State University ($49,671) 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)

Other Majors at Southwest Virginia Community College

Nursing ($56,221) Medical Assisting ($32,327) Mental Health Services ($29,501) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($23,756)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Human Development & Family Studies degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Southwest Virginia Community College?
This program scores 55/100 — 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 exposure of 33% is a real factor. For Southwest Virginia Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($204,873) and pessimistic ($204,873) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Can you still earn well with Human Development & Family Studies from Southwest Virginia Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
The DOL recognizes 3 apprenticeship pathways related to Human Development & Family Studies. For students weighing Southwest Virginia Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
Job availability for Human Development & Family Studies is strong — 297,800 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southwest Virginia Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in VA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →