Human Development & Family Studies at American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,347/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #65 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs Top 50%

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 $463K $465K $444K
Earnings Multiple 13.8x 13.9x 13.2x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$35,082
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,229
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

American Public University System's Human Development & Family Studies program produces graduates earning $34,347/yr — within striking distance of the $33,473 national average for this field.

The 13.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $35,082 debt load exceeds a year of the $34,347 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

Ranked #65 out of 156 programs, American Public University System's Human Development & Family Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,347 to $42,229 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About American Public University System

with 38,976 students enrolled in Charles Town, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at American Public University System →

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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Public University System's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Human Development & Family Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do American Public University System Human Development & Family Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 →