Human Development & Family Studies at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,342/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (33% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI
9.9x earnings multiple
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 | $505K | $504K | $476K |
| Earnings Multiple | 9.9x | 9.9x | 9.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 54% | 50% | 42% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 37 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,020
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,830
62% growth from Year 1
About Northern Illinois University
A 70% acceptance rate means Northern Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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
Compare & Explore
Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Northern Illinois University?
At 37/100, 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 Northern Illinois University?
At $30,020 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University a good choice for Human Development & Family Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Illinois 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 →