Human Development & Family Studiesat Mississippi State University
Graduates earn $21,243/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Human Development & Family Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $368K; scenarios range from $362K to $358K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Mississippi State University
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.
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 Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Mississippi State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State University
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.