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2024 Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools

187 Colleges in the United States
42,112 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$28,862 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in human development & family studies is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #44 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 187 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 42,112 degrees in human development & family studies to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Human Development & Family Studies School

Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools Your choice of human development & family studies school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Human Development & Family Studies School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Human Development & Family Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Human Development
Bachelor's Degrees in Human Development
Master's Degrees in Human Development
Doctor's Degrees in Human Development

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Human Development & Family Studies in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the human development degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Human Development

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In NY
61 Human Development Degrees Awarded

It is difficult to beat Cornell University if you want to pursue a degree in human development & family studies. Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were approximately 61 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Cornell University

2
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
52 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$42,637 Median Starting Salary

Tufts University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in human development & family studies. Located in the large suburb of Medford, Tufts is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Tufts is a great university overall.

There were about 52 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies program at Tufts University get $13,775 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Tufts University

3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
197 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$29,244 Median Starting Salary

University of Wisconsin - Madison is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in human development & family studies. UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 197 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. After graduation, human development degree recipients generally make an average of $29,244 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Wisconsin - Madison

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
177 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$32,092 Median Starting Salary

University of Connecticut is a good option for students pursuing a degree in human development & family studies. UCONN is a very large public university located in the suburb of Storrs. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 schools for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were about 177 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent data year. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from University of Connecticut receive $3,230 more than the average human development grad.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Connecticut

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
203 Human Development Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

UGA is a very large public university located in the city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #72 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 203 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the human development program earn an average of $29,842 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Georgia

6
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
235 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$28,797 Median Starting Salary

Virginia Tech is a very large public school located in the small city of Blacksburg. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 235 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the human development program earn about $28,797 for their early career.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Virginia Tech

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
276 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$34,566 Median Starting Salary

Wazzu is a very large public university located in the distant town of Pullman. This university ranks 4th out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 276 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent data year. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from Washington State University make $5,704 more than the typical human development student.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Washington State University

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$33,385 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were roughly 108 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies degree program at University of Maryland - College Park get $4,523 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Maryland - College Park

9
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$38,489 Median Starting Salary

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 130 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from Michigan State University earn $9,627 more than the average human development grad.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Michigan State University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
217 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$32,838 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 217 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies program at Texas Tech University earn $3,976 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Texas Tech University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$29,954 Median Starting Salary

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were about 185 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the human development program earn about $29,954 for their early career.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from The University of Texas at Austin

12
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
140 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$34,276 Median Starting Salary

UF is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 140 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies major at University of Florida make $5,414 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Florida

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
105 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$31,078 Median Starting Salary

Iowa State is a very large public university located in the city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 105 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies degree program at Iowa State University get $2,216 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Iowa State University

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
164 Human Development Degrees Awarded
21.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Fargo, North Dakota State University is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 12 schools for overall quality in the state of North Dakota.

There were approximately 164 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at North Dakota State University in the most recent year we have data available. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from North Dakota State University - Main Campus make $5,872 more than the typical human development student.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from North Dakota State University - Main Campus

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$29,041 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 185 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, human development degree recipients generally earn around $29,041 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Ohio State University - Main Campus

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$38,052 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Stillwater, OSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 32 schools for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were approximately 133 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at OSU in the most recent year we have data available. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from Oklahoma State University - Main Campus make $9,190 more than the typical human development graduate.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Oklahoma State University - Main Campus

17
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Human Development Degrees Awarded
8.3% Growth in Graduates

Clemson is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Clemson. This university ranks 1st out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were about 48 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent year we have data available. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from Clemson University make $16,395 more than the typical human development student.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Clemson University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Human Development Degrees Awarded
8.7% Growth in Graduates

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were about 103 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the human development & family studies major at University of Arizona make $2,907 more than the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Arizona

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
168 Human Development Degrees Awarded
20.2% Growth in Graduates

UA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tuscaloosa. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 168 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the human development program earn an average of $28,565 for their early career.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from The University of Alabama

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NJ
267 Human Development Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Montclair, Montclair State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 267 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Montclair State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Montclair State University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$32,802 Median Starting Salary

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 73 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Those human development & family studies students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive $3,940 more than the standard human development grad.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
55 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$29,025 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were roughly 55 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the human development program make around $29,025 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Purdue University - Main Campus

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
320 Human Development Degrees Awarded
6.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Provo, BYU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 13 colleges for overall quality in the state of Utah.

There were roughly 320 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at BYU in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the human development program earn an average of $21,303 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Brigham Young University - Provo

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
266 Human Development Degrees Awarded
$30,413 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 30 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were about 266 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at Oregon State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the human development program report average early career earnings of $30,413.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from Oregon State University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In DE

Located in the large suburb of Newark, UD is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 4 colleges for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were roughly 7 human development & family studies students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in human development & family studies from University of Delaware

Rest of the Top Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools

26
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
27
28

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools award.

Rank College Location
29 Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL
30 University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO
31 University of Virginia - Main Campus Charlottesville, VA
32 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
33 Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
34 Auburn University Auburn, AL
35 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
36 Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA
37 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA

Human Development & Family Studies by Region

View the Best Human Development & Family Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 8 majors within the Family, Consumer & Human Sciences area of study, Human Development & Family Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Human Development Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Child Care Provider/Assistant 20,843
General Human Development & Family Studies 9,497
Child Development 4,641
Child Care & Support Services Management 3,917
Family & Community Services 1,401
Other Human Development, Family Studies, & Related Services 676
Family Systems 541
Adult Development & Aging 299
Early Childhood and Family Studies 259
Developmental Services Worker 38

View All Human Development Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Human Development

Related Major Annual Graduates
Food, Nutrition & Related Services 4,858
Textile & Apparel Studies 3,313
General Family & Consumer Sciences 2,906
Family & Consumer Economics 1,454
Human Sciences Business Services 704
Housing 302
Family, Consumer & Human Sciences (Other) 158

View All Human Development Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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