Home › Benedict College › Human Development & Family Studies

Human Development & Family Studies at Benedict College

Columbia, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,607/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #151 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 $360K $370K $364K
Earnings Multiple 5.0x 5.1x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$72,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,124
1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$32,000
17.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $21,607 per year, Human Development & Family Studies graduates from Benedict College earn below the $33,473 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 5.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Development & Family Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #151 ranking among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs places Benedict College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Benedict College

Benedict College accepts 67% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,573 students in Columbia, SC. 63% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Benedict College →

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

Compare this program → View all 156 schools offering Human Development & Family Studies →

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

National Louis University ($46,954) Warner Pacific University ($45,523) Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies ($45,523) George Mason University ($45,140) University of the District of Columbia ($44,819) Tufts University ($44,345) Walden University ($43,693) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($41,717)

Other Majors at Benedict College

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($33,120) Social Work ($30,295) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($28,419) Psychology, General ($27,620) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($26,891) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($23,838) Biology, General ($22,805) Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies ($17,324)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Human Development & Family Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Benedict College?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Development & Family Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Human Development & Family Studies degree from Benedict College?
At $32,000 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at Benedict College?
The 33% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Benedict College a good choice for Human Development & Family Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Benedict College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →