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Human Development & Family Studies at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,123/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs Top 25%

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 $506K $505K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.6x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.9x 9.9x 9.3x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,196
Out-of-state: $51,236 (9.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,876
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,562
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,955
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,123 at South Dakota State University come in 11% above the national median of $33,473 for Human Development & Family Studies programs.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Human Development & Family Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,562 against $37,123/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

South Dakota State University ranks #20 among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 32% earnings increase from $37,123 to $48,955 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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

Compare this program → View all 156 schools offering Human Development & Family Studies →

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

National Louis University ($46,954) Warner Pacific University ($45,523) Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies ($45,523) George Mason University ($45,140) University of the District of Columbia ($44,819) Tufts University ($44,345) Walden University ($43,693) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($41,717)

Compare Human Development & Family Studies

South Dakota State University vs National Louis University → South Dakota State University vs George Mason University → South Dakota State University vs University of the District of Columbia → South Dakota State University vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

Other Majors at South Dakota State University

Construction Engineering Technologies ($77,949) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($73,770) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,758) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($69,255) Civil Engineering ($69,129) Mechanical Engineering ($67,791) Plant Sciences ($58,787) Agricultural Business and Management ($51,222)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Human Development & Family Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at South Dakota State University?
At 52/100, South Dakota State University's Human Development & Family Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University one of the best schools for Human Development & Family Studies?
Among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, South Dakota State University's #20 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →