Program Analysis
Merrimack College's Human Development & Family Studies program produces graduates earning $33,640/yr — within striking distance of the $33,473 national average for this field.
The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
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 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $33,640 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #142 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, Merrimack College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $53,557 show a 59% jump from the $33,640 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.