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Human Development & Family Studies at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,006/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (33% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #127 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	$393K	$401K	$390K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.9x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.7x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,006/yr fall 19% below the $33,473 national median for Human Development & Family Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 10.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt-to-$27,006 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #127 out of 156 programs, Central Washington University's financial outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington 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

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central Washington University's Human Development & Family Studies program score?

This program scores 36/100 — 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.

Why are Human Development & Family Studies earnings lower at Central Washington University?

Lower starting pay at Central Washington University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →