Human Development & Family Studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,300/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #115 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs

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 $463K $465K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.6x 8.6x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,936
Out-of-state: $127,896 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,436
-34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,713
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Human Development & Family Studies program produces graduates earning $32,300/yr — within striking distance of the $33,473 national average for this field.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 $21,500 against $32,300/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #115 ranking among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs places The University of Tennessee-Knoxville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $32,300 to $41,713 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's 46% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,763 students in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Development & Family Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →