Human Development & Family Studies at Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,278/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #155 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Development & Family Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $478K $479K $455K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$169,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,604
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,121
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,278/yr, Human Development & Family Studies graduates from Abilene Christian University land near the $33,473 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$30,278 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #155 out of 156 programs, Abilene Christian University'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 $30,278 to $43,121 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University accepts 64% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,129 students in Abilene, TX. The average net cost of $109,604 over four years represents a 35% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Abilene Christian University →

Top Career Paths

Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Abilene Christian University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Abilene Christian University's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Human Development & Family Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 the number of job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →