Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,721/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Large (67,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $538K $534K $499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.0x 18.8x 17.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.0x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,375
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,308
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,721/yr, roughly in line with the $32,408 national median for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 18.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $33,721 far exceeding the $16,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California State University-Northridge ranks #6 among 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,721-to-$52,308 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 32,357 students enrolled in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Northridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at California State University-Northridge?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at California State University-Northridge?
The 41% 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 California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences?
Among 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs, California State University-Northridge's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →