Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,682 track close to the $33,473 national median for Human Development & Family Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 6.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Human Development & Family Studies's typical career paths, with 33% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $33,682 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #94 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, Illinois State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.