Human Development & Family Studies at California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
50
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,857/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $524K $521K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.5x 18.4x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 50 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)
$28,292
Out-of-state: $75,812 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$22,584
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,529
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Fullerton's Human Development & Family Studies program produces graduates earning $31,857/yr — within striking distance of the $33,473 national average for this field.

With a 18.4x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,500 in median debt clears quickly against $31,857 in annual earnings.

California State University-Fullerton ranks #28 among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $31,857-to-$49,529 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fullerton

A 87% acceptance rate means California State University-Fullerton is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 36,956 students in Fullerton, CA. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fullerton →

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 California State University-Fullerton

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at California State University-Fullerton?
At 50/100, California State University-Fullerton'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 California State University-Fullerton?
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 California State University-Fullerton one of the best schools for Human Development & Family Studies?
Among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs, California State University-Fullerton's #28 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 →