Human Development & Family Studiesat National Louis University
Graduates earn $46,954/yr in their first year — about 40.0% above the national Human Development & Family Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $516K; scenarios range from $486K to $517K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at National Louis University
Your journey through Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at National Louis University places you in a uniquely strong position within the Chicago job market. This program's success isn't just about the curriculum; it's deeply tied to the robust demand for skilled professionals in the city's vast network of social service agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare systems.
NLU's strong local connections often facilitate internships and practical experiences that transition directly into employment with organizations serving diverse communities across Chicagoland. You'll likely find graduates thriving in roles that blend direct client support with program management or advocacy, often with employers like community mental health centers, school districts, or large non-profits dedicated to family support. The program's practical orientation and focus on professional development likely equip you for roles that demand leadership and specialized skills, leading to quicker advancement. Consider how the program's applied focus aligns with your long-term career aspirations and if pursuing relevant certifications or graduate studies is a viable next step to maximize your earning potential.
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 National Louis 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 National Louis University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at National Louis University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at National Louis 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 National Louis University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Human Development & Family Studies at National Louis University?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Human Development & Family Studies field.
Will AI replace Human Development & Family Studies careers?
With 33% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $485,651 in decade earnings vs $517,428 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes National Louis University's Human Development & Family Studies program stand out?
Ranked #17 of 156 programs nationally, National Louis University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.