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Human Development & Family Studies at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,836/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk High (33% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #95 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	$430K	$434K	$418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.0x	10.1x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.8x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,032

Out-of-state: $115,064 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,592

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,125

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $32,836/yr, Human Development & Family Studies graduates from Ball State University land near the $33,473 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x 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 typical career paths, with 33% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,125 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,836 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #95 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, Ball State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Ball State University

With 72% of applicants admitted, Ball State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,770 in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball State 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 Ball State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Human Development & Family Studies at Ball State University?

A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Human Development & Family Studies careers?

With 33% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $417,875 in decade earnings vs $429,672 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →