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

Program Analysis

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.

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

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

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Benedict College

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

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 →