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Family & Consumer Sciences at Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,466/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Large (67,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #41 of 42 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Family & Consumer Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $427K $433K $416K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$165,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,692
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,347
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,466 per year, Family & Consumer Sciences graduates from Bridgewater College earn slightly above the $32,408 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Family & Consumer Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,500 against $34,466/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #41 ranking among 42 Family & Consumer Sciences programs places Bridgewater College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $34,466 to $36,347 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Bridgewater College

With 91% of applicants admitted, Bridgewater College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,388 in Bridgewater, VA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $80,692 — 51% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bridgewater College →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Farm and home management educators $58,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 42 schools offering Family & Consumer Sciences →

Family & Consumer Sciences at Other Schools

Illinois State University ($48,974) Iowa State University ($43,783) Northwestern State University of Louisiana ($38,010) University of Wyoming ($37,887) Sam Houston State University ($37,540) University of Maryland Eastern Shore ($37,301) San Francisco State University ($35,977) Texas Tech University ($35,501)

Other Majors at Bridgewater College

Computer Science ($58,440) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($46,820) Management Information Systems and Services ($44,418) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($40,434) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($38,838) Biology, General ($34,494) History ($32,771) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($30,243)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Family & Consumer Sciences at Bridgewater College?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Family & Consumer Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Family & Consumer Sciences at Bridgewater College?
The 41% 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.
What do students actually pay for Family & Consumer Sciences at Bridgewater College?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $165,400. At a net cost of $80,692, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →