Family & Consumer Sciences at Berea College

Berea, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,495/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Large (67,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #42 of 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Family & Consumer Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $452K $456K $435K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$197,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$17,932
91% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,941
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,495/yr, roughly in line with the $32,408 national median for Family & Consumer Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 41% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #42 out of 42 programs, Berea College's financial outcomes for Family & Consumer Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,495 to $38,941 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Berea College

Berea College accepts 33% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 1,472 students in Berea, KY. Pell Grant recipients make up 81% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $17,932 over four years represents a 91% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Berea College →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Farm and home management educators $58,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Family & Consumer Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Berea College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Berea College's Family & Consumer Sciences program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Family & Consumer Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Family & Consumer Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Family & Consumer Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 41% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Family & Consumer Sciences at Berea College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $197,304, but the average net cost is $17,932 — a 91% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →