Human Development & Family Studiesat Benedict College
Graduates earn $21,607/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Human Development & Family Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $370K; scenarios range from $364K to $360K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Benedict College
The earnings profile for this Human Development, Family Studies program suggests graduates often pursue careers deeply embedded in community service, education, or direct client support within the Columbia, SC region. These roles, common among graduates from institutions like Benedict, frequently involve working with local government agencies, non-profits, or school districts. While incredibly impactful and personally rewarding, these sectors typically offer more modest starting salaries compared to corporate or highly specialized fields, particularly at the bachelor's level. Many graduates find themselves in essential but often lower-paying positions before gaining significant experience or pursuing advanced degrees like an MSW or Ph.D., which are often necessary for the higher-earning psychologist or social scientist roles listed.
If you're considering this path, actively seek internships and network early to understand specific regional employer needs and salary expectations. Focus on developing highly marketable skills like grant writing, program evaluation, or data analysis to enhance your earning potential within service-oriented careers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Benedict College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Human Development & Family Studies
How Benedict College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Benedict College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Benedict College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Human Development & Family Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Human Development & Family Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Human Development & Family Studies at Benedict College
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.