Human Development & Family Studies at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,209/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk
High (33% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI
7.6x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
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 | $466K | $468K | $446K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.6x | 7.6x | 7.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 54% | 50% | 42% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 45 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,827
22% growth from Year 1
About Western Michigan University
With 85% of applicants admitted, Western Michigan University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,704 in Kalamazoo, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Western Michigan University
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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Western Michigan University?
At 41/100, 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 Western Michigan 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →