Family & Consumer Sciences at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,783/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Large (67,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Iowa State's Family and Consumer Sciences program benefits significantly from the university's strong land-grant mission, cultivating robust connections with community organizations, extension offices, and K-12 school districts throughout Iowa. This practical foundation ensures graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in vital roles supporting families and communities. You'll find graduates making an impact as educators in schools, leading community outreach initiatives, or advising on home management and financial literacy, often within stable public sector or non-profit settings. The "general" nature of the degree at ISU means you gain a versatile skillset highly valued in a state with diverse needs. To maximize your career trajectory, actively seek internships with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach system or local school districts to build a strong professional network and apply your learning directly.

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 $485K $486K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.6x 11.6x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 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)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,730
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,252
8% growth from Year 1

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Family & Consumer Sciences at Iowa State University?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Family & Consumer Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Family & Consumer Sciences careers?
With 41% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $459,263 in decade earnings vs $484,965 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Iowa State University's Family & Consumer Sciences program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 42 programs nationally, Iowa State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →