Human Development & Family Studies at East Los Angeles College

Monterey Park, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

with 24,401 students enrolled in Monterey Park, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $10,032/yr fall 58% below the $24,123 national median for Human Development & Family Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 67.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Human Development & Family Studies programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 33% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies graduates.

At #31 of 85 Human Development & Family Studies programs, East Los Angeles College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $26,519 show a 164% jump from the $10,032 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $10,032/yr (-58% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (67% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$176K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
71.1x
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)
$2,476
Out-of-state: $20,260
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$26,519
164% 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 →

About Human Development & Family Studies Careers

Your career path often begins on the front lines, either in a bustling community center or a vibrant preschool classroom. You’ll work directly with people, helping a family navigate social service applications on a computer one moment, then guiding children through a creative learning activity with art supplies the next. The work is hands-on, focused on providing direct support and guidance.

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 East Los Angeles College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Human Development & Family Studies at East Los Angeles College?
At 58/100, East Los Angeles College's Human Development & Family Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Development & Family Studies?
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.
Can you still earn well with Human Development & Family Studies from East Los Angeles College?
Lower starting pay at East Los Angeles College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Human Development & Family Studies through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 3 registered apprenticeships connected to Human Development & Family Studies occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Human Development & Family Studies graduates?
With approximately 297,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Human Development & Family Studies offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →