Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs 2024

affordable family and consumer science

Key Takeaways:

  • The #1 school in this ranking for a degree in family and consumer science is Illinois State University followed by Wayne State College.
  • A degree in Family and Consumer Science can be very rewarding if you are passionate about improving the daily lives of people. It offers diverse career paths and the opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities.
  • Career opportunities include jobs in fields like education, community services, consumer advocacy, health and wellness, business and industry, and government and non-profits.
  • Entry-level positions start at $48,775 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $79,040 per year.

In this article, we profile the top 30 affordable family and consumer science degree programs.

The field of home economics has evolved over the years. Less emphasis is placed on domesticity, and more emphasis is placed on consumer behavior, economics, human and family development, and nutrition.

Featured Programs

Family and consumer science majors pursue teaching, nutrition, and dietician careers, as well as others. To help students find affordable family and consumer science degree programs, we’ve compiled a list of great-value institutions and degrees. Our methodology is listed below.

30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs Methodology

We reviewed over 65 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources that offered family and consumer science degrees or closely related programs.

We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), institution and/or program rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and affordability (institution with graduate tuition and fees less than $26,500 per year).

For the sake of consistent comparison in this mixed graduate/undergraduate ranking, schools were ranked according to graduate tuition and fees published by College Navigator. Undergraduate programs also have their tuition listed for informational purposes. We then listed the programs according to raw affordability.

Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 affordable family and consumer science degree programs.

#30 – Hofstra University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Science

Hempstead, New York

Website

Hofstra University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Hofstra University – offering a top-ranked family and consumer science degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,134

Hofstra offers a family and consumer science program consisting of 37 credits and 100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. The program prepares students for teaching family and consumer science in a K-12 institution in New York State.

Courses are held at convenient times for those with full-time jobs. In addition to practicum hours and coursework, students complete their student teaching hours at the end of the program. Hofstra staff and faculty assist students with placement in the field.

Hofstra holds a sound academic reputation in the region and ranks #162 among national universities and #97 in best-value schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#29 – Pennsylvania State University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Science

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Pennsylvania State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Earn a master’s in family and consumer science from Penn State!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,994

Penn State University offers current and aspiring educators a family and consumer sciences master’s degree program. Small, conveniently scheduled classes engage students in deep inquiry as preparation to take their teaching skills to the next level.

Courses may include applied statistics in the world campus, introduction to statistics in education, and social and economic foundations. The program consists of 33 credits including a 3-credit master’s paper. In addition to coursework, students also receive support through advising, career services, and tutoring.

Penn State University has an excellent academic reputation and ranks #57 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#28 – Western Michigan University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Website

Western Michigan University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Western Michigan University offers a family consumer science degree with a concentration in child life.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,283

Western Michigan University offers a family consumer science degree with a concentration in child life. The child life specialization focuses on working with children and their families during times of illness, injury, and hospitalization. They are charged with attending to the child’s developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs in an effort to better cope with difficult circumstances.

In most instances, child life advocates work closely with social workers, hospital staff, and a host of other social services agencies.

Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the child life specialist certification offered by the Child Life Council. WMU is ranked #246 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#27 – Colorado State University

Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Colorado State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Earn a bachelor’s in family and consumer science! Colorado State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,871
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $11,901

Colorado State University offers a bachelor’s degree for family and consumer science majors. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and offers coursework across a broad spectrum of academic areas such as family and consumer sciences, food science, human development, health and wellness, and even design and merchandising.

Many graduates go on to teach family and consumer sciences in a secondary setting through completing the program and earning a secondary teaching license, while others go to work for other social service and community-based organizations.

The degree also serves as excellent preparation for graduate school. CSU is ranked #166 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#26 – SUNY College at Oswego

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Science Education

Oswego, New York

Website

SUNY College at Oswego - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
One of the few Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Science Education programs – SUNY College at Oswego.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,490

State University of New York Oswego offers an online master’s in family and consumer science degree designed for current or aspiring family and consumer science educators in New York State. The program’s coursework is 100% online and requires no campus visits or residencies.

Students virtually attend live lectures in an asynchronous format. There are field experiences throughout the program where students work in schools and other agencies to apply what they learn and to prepare for certification.

SUNY-Oswego has an excellent regional reputation and ranks in several U.S. News and World Report categories such as #52 in regional universities North and #9 in top public schools.

#25 – Ohio State University

Master’s in Consumer Science

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Ohio State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Ohio State University’s master’s in consumer science is ranked with U.S. News!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,425

The Ohio State University offers a master’s in family consumer science designed to provide students with graduate level research skills as they pertain to consumer sciences. Students enter the program and choose a concentration in family resource management, fashion and retail studies, or hospitality management.

The program has a long track record of success when it comes to placing graduates in the field. Graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as the Federal Reserve, Hyatt Corporation, Target corporate, Under Armour, and more.

Prerequisites for the 30-credit program include a bachelor’s degree and GRE scores. The Ohio State University ranks #54 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#24 – Alabama A & M University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Normal, Alabama

Website

Alabama A & M University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Alabama A&M offers a master’s in family and consumer science.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,542

Alabama A&M offers a master’s in family and consumer science that prepares graduates for a variety of careers across a spectrum of industries including community service, government, business, and education.

To further enhance the student’s education and career development, once the student matriculates to the program he or she will choose from a specialization in apparel, merchandising and design, nutrition and hospitality management, human development and family studies, or family and consumer science education.

These pathways provide critical knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a related career. Alabama A&T ranks #96 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report.

#23 – Central Washington University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Science Education

Ellensburg, Washington

Website

Central Washington University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Earn an online family and consumer science degree at CWU!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,537

Central Washington University offers a master’s in family and consumer sciences education for current or aspiring educators. The program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance that allows students to take online courses from several partner institutions.

There are three distinct pathways for the program, which include an MA in family and consumer science with initial vocational teacher certification, an MA in with a specialization in family and consumer science, and a family and consumer science education endorsement.

Central Washington University ranks in multiple categories including #55 in regional universities West and #21 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#22 – Iowa State University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Ames, Iowa

Website

Iowa State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Affordability! Iowa State’s online master’s in family and consumer science.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,990

The University of Iowa’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers an online consumer science degree with specializations in family financial planning, gerontology, and youth development. These distinct pathways offer coursework that teaches the necessary skills and knowledge needed to flourish in a successful family and consumer science career working with specific populations.

Core classes include application of qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, and theories of human development. The program also offers non-degree options for obtaining a family and consumer studies endorsement or teaching license.

The University of Iowa is considered a tier 1 institution and ranks #84 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#21 – Purdue University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

West Lafayette, Indiana

Website

Purdue University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Ranked and accredited! Purdue’s master’s in family and consumer science.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992

Purdue University offers a graduate program for family and consumer science majors seeking to become classroom educators or administrators. The program has a thesis or non-thesis option depending on the student’s long-term academic and career goals. Students desiring a Ph.D. should strongly consider the thesis option as it bolsters the individual’s research background through coursework and a written thesis.

Completion of the program may meet state requirements for teaching certification and endorsement and it is up to the student to check with his or her respective state. Purdue ranks in multiple U.S. News and World Report categories including #57 in national universities and #6 in most innovative schools.

#20 – University of Idaho

Master’s in Family and Consumer Science

Moscow, Idaho

Website

University of Idaho - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
U of I offers an affordable family and consumer science degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,876

The University of Idaho offers a master’s in consumer science degree designed for those with an undergraduate degree in consumer sciences or a related field. Students should also enjoy doing research in the field. There are several career outcomes for those exiting the program such as family and consumer science teacher, childcare director, family advocate, and financial planner.

The program offers an interdisciplinary perspective and gives students the opportunity to learn across a broad spectrum of courses. The program is available on the University of Idaho campus. U of I is ranked #179 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#19 – South Dakota State University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Brookings, South Dakota

Website – No longer available.

South Dakota State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
An online master’s in family and consumer science – SDSU!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,217

As part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, South Dakota State offers a family and consumer science master’s degree for current or aspiring educators. Students can personalize the program depending on whether they are a current teacher or not.

Option A includes coursework on teaching and pedagogy needed for secondary teaching licensure. Option B is for certified teachers.

The program is geared towards working professionals seeking online coursework that allows the student’s career to continue uninterrupted. South Dakota State University ranks in several U.S. News and World Report categories such as #272 in national universities and #135 in top public schools.

#18 – Southeastern Louisiana University

Online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Hammond, Louisiana

Website

Southeastern Louisiana University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
100% or 50% online! Affordable family and consumer science degree programs – Southeastern Louisiana University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,826
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $8,329

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences online. Students can choose from a 100% or 50% online program. The curriculum includes concentrations in child life specialist, fashion merchandising, human development and family studies, and nutrition education and promotion.

As such, there are a wide variety of career choices as part of this degree. In addition, the program is also an excellent option for those seeking a graduate degree in a related field. The 120-credit program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Studies. SLU is ranked #96 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report.

#17 – San Francisco State University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

San Francisco, California

Website

San Francisco State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
A top-ranked master’s in family and consumer science – San Francisco State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,700

San Francisco State University offers a family consumer science master’s degree designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science or a related degree. Students without a related degree can still apply but must take up to 30 credits of prerequisite courses.

Students can choose from specializations in apparel design and merchandising, interior design, dietetics, and family and consumer sciences. The broad based curriculum exposes students to several different types of content while also specializing in a certain area.

The program is one of the top-ranked of its kind in family consumer science degrees. The institution ranks #31 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.

#16 – University of Wisconsin

Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Website

University of Wisconsin - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Bachelor’s programs in family and consumer science are available at UW Stout.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,520
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $9,463

Undergraduates seeking a family and consumer science degree focusing on education may find the family consumer science degree program at the University of Wisconsin Stout a good fit. The program is known for its close knit familial atmosphere and strong placement in schools once the student graduates.

The program prepares students for teaching licensure for K-12 in the State of Wisconsin. Courses focus on family diversity, home environments, human development, nutrition, and resource management. Students go on to enjoy a variety of careers with most moving on to instruction in middle and high schools. UW-Stout ranks #72 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – Pittsburg State University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Pittsburg, Kansas

Website

Pittsburg State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Ranked and affordable! Pittsburg State’s family and consumer science program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,322

Pittsburg State University offers a family and consumer science master’s degree with a focus on technical and career education. The program is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing teaching or administrative positions at the community college and college levels.

Applicants should have completed technical teacher education certification or have a bachelor’s degree. Courses may include data analysis and interpretation in technology, family violence and child abuse, leadership and professionalism in career and technical education, and research methods in technology.

Pittsburg State University ranks #86 in regional universities Midwest and #22 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#14 – Texas Tech University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Lubbock, Texas

Website

Texas Tech University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
The online master’s in family and consumer science requires a practicum and internship.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,181

Texas Tech University offers a family consumer science degree online for aspiring educators with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences. This master’s degree allows current educators to earn a graduate degree online and specialize in a content area related to their career objectives.

The program consists of 38-41 semester credit hours of course work, including 10 3-credit courses, two credits of practicum, and 6-9 credits of internship. Courses are offered over a three-year period, with at least two institutions sharing the teaching responsibility for each course. Texas Tech University ranks #109 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#13 – Sam Houston State University

Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Huntsville, Texas

Website

Sam Houston State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Bachelor’s degree programs in family and consumer science – Sam Houston State!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,016
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $8,536

Sam Houston State University offers a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences for individuals seeking careers as event planners, FCS Extension Agents, or non-profit professionals. In addition to flexible coursework geared towards the student’s career interest, individuals must also complete a 300-hour internship in a field of their choice.

The program is also offered along with an initial teaching certificate for those seeking a career teaching family and consumer sciences at the middle and high school levels. Study abroad opportunities in Europe are available for those interested in textiles and food chemistry.

Sam Houston ranks #272 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#12 – North Carolina A & T State University

Online Master’s in Teaching – Family and Consumer Sciences

Greensboro, North Carolina

Website

North Carolina A & T State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
North Carolina A & T State offers an affordable online master’s in family and consumer sciences.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,862

North Carolina A&T University offers a master’s in family and consumer science degree online for those seeking a graduate degree along with initial teaching certification. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science or a related major. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited institution and a 2.8 GPA.

In addition, students must submit a well-written statement of purpose, three recommendations, and transcripts. Candidates must also be admitted to the teacher preparation program, which is a separate process that takes place during the first semester. NC A&T ranks #272 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#11 – North Dakota State University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Science Education

Fargo, North Dakota

Website

North Dakota State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Affordable and accredited! NDSU’s online master’s in family and consumer science education.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,751

North Dakota State University offers an online family consumer science master’s degree for current or aspiring family and consumer science educators. Option A includes coursework for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in FCS and would like to earn an initial teaching license. Option B is for current FCS educators who would like to expand their area of expertise and improve their career mobility.

Offered through the School of Education, students should check the website for admission requirements, as they are different for Options A and B. North Dakota State ranks #144 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#10 – University of Nebraska

Online Master’s in Child, Youth, and Family Studies

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

University of Nebraska - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Ranked with U.S. News! University of Nebraska – a top choice for affordable family and consumer science degrees.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,575

The University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers a master’s degree in family and consumer science through its Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies. The department is an original member of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, which allows students to take online courses at multiple institutions through a consortium agreement.

The program helps develop family and consumer science educators who desire to teach in institutions such as schools, government organizations, non-profits, and human services settings. The online delivery makes it a great option for busy working professionals. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Nebraska Lincoln #133 in national universities.

#9 – North Carolina Central University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Durham, North Carolina

Website

North Carolina Central University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
NCCU’s online master’s in family and consumer science costs less than 8k per year.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,546

North Carolina Central University offers a family and consumer science degree with concentrations in human development and family studies, nutritional sciences, and textiles and apparel. The nutrition concentration requires an internship, whereas the two other concentrations do not.

The program is designed for individuals with any type of career or academic background provided they have an accredited bachelor’s degree. Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and official transcripts.

GRE scores are not required to apply. North Carolina Central University is ranked #54 in regional universities South and #21 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#8 – East Carolina University

Online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Greenville, North Carolina

Website

East Carolina University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
ECU offers a top-ranked graduate program in family and consumer science.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,535
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $7,238

Through its College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina offers a bachelor’s family and consumer science degree for those interested in teaching. The program prepares graduates to teach several different middle and high school subjects and covers multiple content areas, including apparel and textiles, food science, nutrition, human development, and personal/family finances.

Core classes may include apparel and textiles for family and consumer sciences, family resource management, and principles of food preparation and menu planning. The program is delivered online and is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. ECU is ranked #109 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#7 – Utah State University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Logan, Utah

Website

Utah State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Utah State’s online master’s in family and consumer science is affordable and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,003

Utah State University offers a family and consumer sciences online master’s degree that results in a variety of careers including teaching, research, social work, counseling, and preparation for doctoral studies. The program is entirely online and covers family studies, food science, housing, managing personal resources, and textiles.

The degree does not result in a teaching license but prepares graduates with skills such as teaching and learning, program development, and research. The GRE is required to apply to this program. U.S. News and World Report ranks Utah State University in multiple categories, including #241 among national universities and #117 among top public schools.

#6 – University of Central Arkansas

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Conway, Arkansas

Website

University of Central Arkansas - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
University of Central Arkansas offers a ranked master’s in family and consumer science.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,534

Central Arkansas University offers a family and consumer science master’s degree that is housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. The program requires the candidate to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related area. Admission requirements include submission of one of the following: satisfactory GRE scores, valid educator license, or proof of registered dietitian certification.

Core classes may include current issues in family and consumer sciences, evidenced based research in nutrition, data analysis, and statistical methods in family and consumer sciences. Central Arkansas ranks #298 in national universities and #154 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#5 – University of Wyoming

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Laramie, Wyoming

Website

University of Wyoming - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
University of Wyoming’s online master’s in family and consumer science is highly affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,289

Through its Department of Family and Consumer Services, the University of Wyoming offers an online family and consumer science degree for working human services and education professionals. Graduates go on to successful careers in human services, education, research, and even policy analysis.

Employers include social service agencies, local, state, and federal government, higher education, and more. Featured courses include Ethics in Research and Practice, Families Across the Life Course, intro to Research or Action Research, and Positive Youth Development.

The University of Wyoming ranks #196 in national universities and #100 in top public schools according to U.S. News and World Report.

#4 – Missouri State University

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Springfield, Missouri

Website

Missouri State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Missouri State University’s online master’s in family and consumer science costs less than $6,500 per year.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,250

Current family and consumer science educators considering an online family and consumer science degree may find the master’s program at Missouri State a good fit due to its convenient online classes and rigorous coursework.

The program is designed for FACS educators seeking additional education to increase their career trajectory and on-the-job effectiveness. Candidates must hold a secondary teaching certification and have a 2.75 GPA within the last 60 credits of coursework.

Coursework may include advanced theory and practice in the teaching of early adolescents, content area literacy, and educational research methodology. Missouri State University ranks #293 in U.S. News and World Report.

#3 – New Mexico State University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Website

New Mexico State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
NMSU’s master’s in family and consumer science degree is highly affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,753

Through its College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University offers one of our most affordable family consumer science degrees. The degree is quite extensive in its utility as students can choose from a large cross-section of emphasis areas such as clothing and textiles, family and child science, family and consumer education, human nutrition, hotel and tourism, and more.

Application components include transcripts, letter of application, resume, three reference letters, and GRE or other acceptable test scores. Graduates have gone on to successful careers across a wide variety of occupations and industries. New Mexico State is ranked #241 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#2 – Wayne State College

Online Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Wayne, Nebraska

Website

Wayne State College - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
A highly affordable online master’s in family and consumer science! Wayne State College.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,306

Wayne State College offers a family and consumer science degree online designed for current or aspiring family and consumer science educators seeking a graduate degree to be used for career mobility. The admission process comprises four steps, including completing the application, submitting applications, submitting reference letters and forms, and writing the statement of purpose.

Classes may include current trends and issues in family and consumer sciences, instructional techniques and curriculum development, and special topics. The online program emphasizes convenience for working professionals so they may pursue a graduate education without interrupting their careers.

Wayne State ranks #249 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#1 – Illinois State University

Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences

Normal, Illinois

Website

Illinois State University - Top 30 Affordable Family and Consumer Science Degree Programs
Illinois State University offers the #1 most affordable family and consumer science degree on our list.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $2,593

Administered by the Department of Family and Consumer Science, Illinois State University offers a Master of Science or Master of Arts in FACS designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences. Candidates should possess a 3.0 GPA and a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, candidates must submit a goal statement and the contact information of three references. Funding is available in the form of financial aid and scholarships including graduate assistantships where students are paid a monthly stipend or wage as well as full tuition waivers.

Illinois State ranks #197 among national universities according to U.S. News and World Report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a family and consumer science degree?

The field of family and consumer science is broad. Degree programs in this discipline cover a wide range of topics like child development, family finance, and nutrition. There are several career paths one might take after graduating from a family and consumer science degree program. Below are a few career paths:

Career and technical education teacher:

Career and technical education (CTE) teachers deliver vocational and technical instruction to students. They help develop life skills and knowledge necessary for specialized and broad career paths. In some schools, CTE teachers provide training in auto repair or culinary arts.

Other programs focus on building life skills, such as economics, human development and the family, and wellness and nutrition. This type of teacher must hold an earned bachelor’s degree, often in family and consumer science.

Community Dietitian:

Community dietitians help develop programs and counsel the public on food and health topics. They often work with specific groups of people, such as the elderly or adolescents. They work in public health clinics, government agencies, or nonprofits.

Nutritionist:

Nutritionists carry out duties and tasks similar to those of dietitians. They assess a patient’s nutritional and health needs, counsel them on healthy habits, and develop meal and food plans that meet nutritional needs.

What is the job outlook for individuals with a family and consumer science degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for career and technical education teachers is steady. In fact, the overall employment for this occupation is projected to grow two percent through 2029. While slower than the average for all other occupations, there is an anticipated increase, which is considered favorable.

Some employment growth is expected due to the continued shift in what were once home economics courses and programs in schools. This shift has placed a demand on hiring teachers for family and consumer science or career and technical programs. Teachers with valuable work experience and certifications in specialized areas should see the best job prospects.

For occupations such as dietitians and nutritionists, the job outlook is more favorable than it is for teachers. BLS reports that employment for this occupation is expected to grow by eight percent by 2029. The projected growth is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

As the baby-boom generation ages and searches for different ways to keep healthy, there will be a demand for nutrition and dietitian services. Also, dietitians and nutritionists with advanced degrees or certifications in particular areas should see the best job prospects over the next several years.

How much money can I earn with a family and consumer science degree?

With a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science, you may qualify for a teaching career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), family and consumer science teachers are also known as career and technical education teachers.

The median annual wage for this specialized type of instructor was approximately $58,000 as of May 2019. The lowest ten percent earned less than $35,830, while the highest ten percent earned over $96,000 per year.

Wages vary by the level of education taught. For example, BLS reports that career and technical teachers at secondary schools earn an average annual wage of $61,710. Also, middle school teachers earned $60,800, and postsecondary teachers earned $54,620.

Individuals with a master’s in family and consumer science may qualify for careers as nutritionists, dietitians, and other related careers. BLS reports the annual average wage for dietitians and nutritionists was $61,270 as of May 2019. The lowest ten percent of earners in this occupation made $38,890, and the highest ten percent earned more than $87,000.

Top paying industries for dietitians and nutritionists were outpatient services, hospitals, government, and nursing and residential care facilities. At outpatient care facilities, nutritionists earn an average annual wage of $68,000 per year.

What are the admission requirements for family and consumer science degree programs?

Admission requirements for family and consumer science degrees vary by program and institution. Undergraduate programs have their own set of admission criteria, while graduate programs have different requirements. We’ve broken down the most common requirements by degree level for family and consumer science degree programs.

Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Degree:

Most bachelor’s in family and consumer science programs on our list require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.

Since curricula emphasize consumer and community services, consumerism, and human development, taking introductory courses in high school may help prepare students for college. These courses may include business accounting, consumer behavior, economics, and classes that emphasize the building of life skills.

Other bachelor’s degree admissions criteria may include standard college admission requirements. This includes test scores on the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation from a school counselor and teachers, and the completion of a college essay.

Master’s in Family and Consumer Science Degree:

The master’s in family and consumer science degree programs on our list require similar admission criteria. For example, applicants must hold an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

However, some schools will accept a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited college or university. Other admission requirements include GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPAs, letters of recommendation, and/or work experience.

How long does it take to earn a family and consumer science degree?

The length of time it takes to earn a family and consumer science degree depends on the level of the degree. For bachelor’s in family and consumer science programs, four years is the standard completion time. However, some programs may be shorter. In fact, online family and consumer science degree programs may take an average of two to three years to complete. However, there are factors that impact completion time.

Enrollment status impacts completion time. Enrollment status is whether you enroll in a program on a part-time or full-time basis, online or in-person. Full-time enrollment leads to a quicker completion time. Most full-time programs require students to carry a larger course load that allows for a faster degree completion time. Part-time programs are more flexible and allow students to take fewer classes at a time.

Many part-time programs on our list require students to take one class at a time rather than taking two or three courses at a time. Part-time programs benefit busy and working students due to the lighter course load requirement.

Both enrollment statuses offer benefits. It is important to assess your outside obligations, such as family and work, in order to choose the program that best fits your schedule.

CVO Staff
September 2023

Related:

This concludes our list of the top 30 affordable family and consumer science degree programs of 2021.