Human Development & Family Studies at Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,006/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk
High (33% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI
10.9x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
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 | $393K | $401K | $390K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.7x | 10.9x | 10.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.7x | 3.7x | 3.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 54% | 50% | 42% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 37 | 36 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,768
Out-of-state: $107,084 (3.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
About Central Washington University
Central Washington University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →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
Compare & Explore
Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Central Washington University
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
How does Central Washington University's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Human Development & Family Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Human Development & Family Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Human Development & Family Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Human Development & Family Studies earnings lower at Central Washington University?
Lower starting pay at Central Washington University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →