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Human Development & Family Studies at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,342/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #116 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 $505K $504K $476K
Earnings Multiple 9.9x 9.9x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,636
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,020
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,830
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Illinois University's Human Development & Family Studies graduates start at $28,342/yr, trailing the $33,473 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #116 ranking among 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs places Northern Illinois University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,342-to-$45,830 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Illinois University

A 70% acceptance rate means Northern Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University

Computer Science ($77,257) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,557) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($74,442) Industrial Engineering ($72,112) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($70,654) Mechanical Engineering ($68,069) Accounting and Related Services ($63,743) Engineering Technology, General ($62,117)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Human Development & Family Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at Northern Illinois University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Development & Family Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Human Development & Family Studies degree from Northern Illinois University?
At $30,020 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies at Northern Illinois 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.
Is Northern Illinois University a good choice for Human Development & Family Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Illinois University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →