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Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,401/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #70 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs Top 50%

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 $717K $700K $640K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,259
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,602
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,401 per year, Human Development & Family Studies graduates from Cornell University earn slightly above the $33,473 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 11% 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.

The median debt load of $15,259 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #70 ranking among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs places Cornell University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $38,401-to-$74,602 earnings arc over five years reflects a 94% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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

Compare this program → View all 156 schools offering Human Development & Family Studies →

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

National Louis University ($46,954) Warner Pacific University ($45,523) Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies ($45,523) George Mason University ($45,140) University of the District of Columbia ($44,819) Tufts University ($44,345) Walden University ($43,693) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($41,717)

Other Majors at Cornell University

Computer Science ($152,656) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,650) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($100,516) Operations Research ($96,377) Agricultural Business and Management ($92,163) Mathematics ($87,251) Chemical Engineering ($85,578) Mechanical Engineering ($85,440)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Human Development & Family Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University?
At 44/100, 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 Cornell 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.
What do students actually pay for Human Development & Family Studies at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →