Human Development & Family Studiesat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $34,533/yr in their first year — about 3.0% above the national Human Development & Family Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $444K; scenarios range from $426K to $440K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
At a selective institution like UVA, a Human Development degree leverages strong academics and a robust alumni network, offering a distinct advantage even in a field not typically associated with immediate high earning potential. Your education here provides a deep understanding of human behavior and family dynamics, preparing you for roles in social services, education, counseling, and non-profit management. Graduates often find initial positions within government agencies, school systems, or community organizations, particularly around the Charlottesville region or in nearby larger markets like Richmond and D.C. While some roles, particularly those in direct support, are inherently human-centric, the "high AI risk" on the page suggests that administrative tasks or data analysis components within these fields could evolve, emphasizing the need for complementary skills. To maximize your career prospects, actively pursue internships and research opportunities to build practical experience and consider specializing through a master's degree in psychology, social work, or education.
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 University of Virginia'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 University of Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, 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 University of Virginia
How does University of Virginia-Main Campus's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Human Development & Family Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Human Development & Family Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Human Development & Family Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.