Human Development & Family Studiesat Cornell University
Graduates earn $38,401/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Human Development & Family Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $700K; scenarios range from $640K to $717K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
Your Cornell degree in Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services carries the significant weight of an Ivy League education, which translates into robust opportunities. The program's interdisciplinary rigor, research focus, and strong faculty connections equip graduates not just with foundational knowledge, but with advanced analytical and critical thinking skills highly valued across diverse sectors. You’re not just learning theory; you're often engaging in cutting-edge research or community-based projects.
This broad foundation allows alumni to excel in roles requiring deep understanding of human behavior and social systems, from advanced psychology research and policy analysis at think tanks or government agencies, to leadership positions in non-profits or human-centered design firms. While certain administrative aspects within these fields face AI risk, your Cornell education emphasizes complex problem-solving and interpersonal skills, making you adaptable and resilient. To maximize your outcome, actively pursue research assistantships and internships early on to specialize your interests and build a professional network within your chosen niche.
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 Cornell University'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 Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, 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 Cornell University
What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Development & Family Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.