Human Development & Family Studies at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,243/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #143 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs

Program Analysis

This program’s outcomes reflect the unique regional labor market in Mississippi and the nature of human services roles. Graduates often find opportunities in local government agencies, non-profits, and educational settings across the state. These essential community-focused positions, while deeply impactful, are frequently funded by state and local budgets, leading to a different salary structure compared to national averages, especially at entry-level. The curriculum likely prepares you for direct service and community support roles, which are vital but don't always offer high starting salaries. To significantly boost your earning potential and unlock advanced career paths like therapy or specialized social science research, pursuing a graduate degree is often a necessary next step. Consider how a graduate program aligns with your long-term career aspirations.

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 $358K $368K $362K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.4x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.5x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,260
Out-of-state: $106,320 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,004
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
14.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 18,092 students in Mississippi State, MS.

See all programs and financial aid at Mississippi State 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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mississippi State 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

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Mississippi State University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Development & Family Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Human Development & Family Studies degree from Mississippi State University?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at Mississippi State 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.
Is Mississippi State University a good choice for Human Development & Family Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Mississippi State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →