Best colleges for Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies by graduate earnings are Texas Tech University ($53,997), University of Georgia ($48,620) and Ohio State University ($46,474), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX): $53,997, 90 graduates a year
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA): $48,620, 119 graduates a year
- Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): $46,474, 68 graduates a year
- Texas State University (San Marcos, TX): $45,666, 21 graduates a year
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Knoxville, TN): $43,014, 35 graduates a year
Compare 24 U.S. colleges offering Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 17 states.
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,201 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 19.04 and the Personal Financial Advisors occupation (BLS SOC).
About Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies programs
The Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies program focuses on the intersection of family dynamics and economic principles. This field prepares students to address various consumer-related issues and manage resources effectively within families and communities. It is ideal for individuals interested in advocating for consumer rights and improving financial literacy.
Learn more about Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework often includes topics in customer service, economics, and personal finance, equipping graduates with the knowledge to analyze financial information and create tailored financial plans.
Top 14 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,997 | 90 | 69% | — | $27,750 |
| 2 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,620 | 119 | 90% | — | $22,652 |
| 3 | Ohio State University Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,474 | 68 | 88% | — | $25,000 |
| 4 | Texas State University San Marcos, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,666 | 21 | 55% | — | $19,822 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,014 | 35 | 74% | — | $17,844 |
| 6 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,201 | 101 | 73% | — | $23,750 |
| 7 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,081 | 45 | 85% | — | $19,750 |
| 8 | University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,009 | 21 | 58% | — | $19,750 |
| 9 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,280 | 71 | 68% | — | $24,752 |
| 10 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,242 | 147 | 67% | — | $22,500 |
| 11 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,988 | 28 | 54% | — | $26,000 |
| 12 | South Dakota State University Brookings, SD Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $44,891 | 17 | 62% | — | $23,789 |
| 13 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $36,280 | 214 | 0% | — | $24,752 |
| 14 | Tennessee State University Nashville, TN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,793 | 14 | 34% | — | $30,099 |
Specializations within Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
4 of the 4 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 19.04 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Family Resource Management StudiesCIP 19.0401736 graduates / yr14 institutions11 states
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related ServicesCIP 19.0499partial data236 graduates / yr6 institutions5 states
- Consumer EconomicsCIP 19.0402partial data96 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- Consumer Services and AdvocacyCIP 19.0403partial data44 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
Offered across 17 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texaslimited | 2 | $53,997 | Texas Tech University |
| Georgialimited | 1 | $48,620 | University of Georgia |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | $46,474 | Ohio State University |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | $44,891 | South Dakota State University |
| Alabamalimited | 2 | $41,201 | The University of Alabama |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | $39,081 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
| Nebraskalimited | 2 | $38,009 | University of Nebraska at Kearney |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | $36,280 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion |
| Tennessee | 3 | $32,793 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-2052, Personal Financial Advisors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in various sectors, with a job outlook that is much faster than average, featuring an annual growth rate of 9.6%. With approximately 24,100 annual openings and a median wage of $102,140, a bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 19.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 19.04 (Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 13-2052 | Personal Financial Advisorsprimary |
| 25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-9021 | Farm and Home Management Educators |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
- Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
- Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
- Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
- Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
- Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available?+
Specializations include Family Resource Management Studies, Consumer Economics, Consumer Services and Advocacy, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 9.6%.
What level of education is typically required?+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
How much do Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies graduates earn?+
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,201, College Scorecard (2019); the Personal Financial Advisors occupation pays about $156,670 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies?+
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies maps to CIP 19.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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