Human Development & Family Studies at Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO · Public · Certificate · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

serving 5,392 students in Littleton, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,716 put Arapahoe Community College's Human Development & Family Studies program 44% above the national median of $24,123 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 84.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Human Development & Family Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Human Development & Family Studies's career paths, with 33% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $34,716 far exceeding the $10,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #3 of 85 nationally, this is a top-5% Human Development & Family Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

There are 3 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Human Development & Family Studies, including Child Care Development Specialist (median $32,050/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
73
Score
75
High End
Earnings $34,716/yr (44% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$363K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
84.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,308
Out-of-state: $16,542
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$39,835
15% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Human Development & Family Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Psychologists, all other $117,580 +4.3% 56%
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340 -1.7% 48%
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280 +3.4% 46%
Psychologists, all other
$117,580
+4.3% growth 56% AI-proof
Social scientists and related workers, all other
$100,340
-1.7% growth 48% AI-proof
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary
$77,280
+3.4% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Human Development & Family Studies Career Guide

Human Development & Family Studies opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Human Development & Family Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies Overview

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arapahoe Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Arapahoe Community College's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Human Development & Family Studies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI affect Human Development & Family Studies careers?
Our scenarios model 33% of Human Development & Family Studies tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Arapahoe Community College's 73/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Is Arapahoe Community College one of the best schools for Human Development & Family Studies?
Ranked #3 of 85 programs nationally, Arapahoe Community College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Human Development & Family Studies through an apprenticeship instead of Arapahoe Community College?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Human Development & Family Studies occupations, such as Child Care Development Specialist and Direct Support Specialist (Alternate Title: Assistant Case Manager). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Human Development & Family Studies from Arapahoe Community College?
The very large job market (297,800 annual openings) works in favor of Human Development & Family Studies graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →