Undergraduate students looking for the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science degree have plenty of options. The field of family and consumer sciences is an interdisciplinary one that combines aspects of the natural and social sciences of families and consumers as target groups. Degrees in family and consumer sciences cover various aspects within the life of a family, including education, economics, behavior and food nutrition and preparation as well as human development and interior design. Although it is wise to select an affordable online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science, there are other factors to evaluate to ensure the program will meet each student’s needs and career goals. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 30 best affordable online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science degrees for your consideration.
Methodology
To provide you with the most comprehensive list of the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science degrees, we ranked each of the following 30 schools based on three factors that most students look for in a program: affordability, class size and student success. To get our initial list of 30 schools, we searched for the term “family and consumer science bachelor’s degree” using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then narrowed down the pool of 50 schools into the top 30 programs based on the methodology.
Average Cost of Attendance
We understand how tempting it can be to want to choose the cheapest school that offers your desired program for the sake of saving money. However, tuition is just one factor to consider. You also want to make sure the family and consumer science program you choose offers the concentration in which you are interested as well as opportunities for hands-on learning or other features you deem important in a college degree. We ranked the following 30 schools based on the cost of one academic year of study using tuition information obtained by the NCES. Although we did not use out-of-state tuition rates to award points, we included these figures below for your reference.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
When looking at student-to-faculty ratios, keep your own learning style in mind. For instance, do you require accountability to succeed, or do you prefer to blend into the background and complete your course requirements without an abundance of interactions with others? Although such is not always the case, most schools with low ratios may be more likely to offer opportunities for individualized learning and mentoring due to small class sizes, while institutions with high ratios may not be able to provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with their professors. For this ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the lowest ratios as reported from NCES.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we used each school’s graduation rate as a measure of student success and satisfaction. Although there are always exceptions, in most cases, colleges and universities with low graduation rates may be failing in one way or another, causing unhappy students to leave and finish their degrees elsewhere. On the other hand, institutions with high graduation rates may be succeeding in one or more areas by offering plenty of academic support, employing experienced professors and/or providing academic programs that students deem affordable, for example. Therefore, students are more likely to remain enrolled and graduate with their degree. In this ranking, schools with the highest graduation rates from NCES earned the most points as outlined below.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking 30 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Degrees
30. Concordia University St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Program Website
Located in Minnesota, Concordia University St. Paul is a private liberal arts university and a member of the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, the school offers an affordable online Bachelor of Arts in Family Science degree designed for undergraduates with an interest in careers related to family behaviors and dynamics. Through the 40-credit-hour online degree, students learn to foster positive connections and communication and facilitate healthy interactions in both applied and clinical practice. Online coursework covers key topic areas such as family law, family systems and the stages of development. The low-cost online B.A. in Family Science degree is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), and students can choose between a non-certified or a certified track with a certifying examination, the latter of which leads to the designation of Certified Family Life Educator.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Family Science
In-State Tuition: $22,275
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,275
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
29. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 5
Program Website
Launched in 1998, Pennsylvania State University World Campus, also known as PSU Online, is the online campus of The Pennsylvania State University. Undergraduates looking for an affordable online degree in family and consumer science may earn a BS in Human Development and Family Studies by completing 120 credits of study. The economical online degree program includes a concentration in Life Span Human Services and encompasses a range of diverse populations and human services. Through the online curriculum, students will gain an understanding of human development across the life span and how communities and families influence development. The top-value degree program is available entirely online, allowing students the convenience and flexibility to study around their schedules.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
In-State Tuition: $13,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
28. Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
Points: 6
Program Website
Located in Livonia, Michigan, Madonna University is a private Catholic liberal arts university and an accredited university for an online family and consumer science degree. The school’s affordable online BS in Family and Consumer Sciences is designed to prepare teachers to instruct youth to provide for their own economic, physical, emotional and social well-being. Students are not required to complete a teacher education program to select this major. Faculty members are experienced in related disciplines such as dietetics and nutrition, child development, psychology, business, health and food science. Graduates are prepared for careers as youth camp instructors, youth center mentors and K-12 teachers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences
In-State Tuition: $21,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 61 percent
27. Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Points: 6
Program Website
Students looking for an economical online family and consumer science degree may consider attending Western Kentucky University, a public institution of higher learning in Bowling Green. Established in 1906, WKU confers a cheap online BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in family studies. The low-cost online degree program is designed to prepare undergraduates who wish to work in a family-focused environment and features core courses in key areas such as human nutrition, child development, ethics, family relations, parenting strategies, adolescent psychology and critical issues in family and child studies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences, Family Studies Concentration
In-State Tuition: $10,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,280
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
26. University of Colorado Denver
Denver, Colorado
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1912, the University of Colorado Denver is a public research university and a member of the University of Colorado System. The largest research institution in the state, CU Denver offers an economical online BS in Human Development and Family Relations which students can complete in just four years. Throughout the 120-credit online program, undergraduates are trained to serve linguistically and culturally diverse individuals and families from a strengths-based perspective across a broad spectrum of contexts. CU Denver emphasizes experiential education, and many online courses have service-learning requirements built into the curriculum. The top-value program is also the first bilingual HDFR program in the country, providing several online courses in a Spanish/English format.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR)
In-State Tuition: $9,283
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,771
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
25. Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Points: 6
Program Website
A public university in Alabama, Jacksonville State University is also an affordable accredited university for an online family and consumer sciences degree. In fact, students pursuing the online BS in Family and Consumer Sciences program at JSU have the opportunity to choose from five concentration areas, including an emphasis in human sciences. As the most versatile concentration within the discipline, course requirements are representative of the entire field. Undergraduates will examine topics such as hospitality and culinary management, child development, fashion merchandising, family life studies and nutrition, enabling them to work in a variety of settings.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences
In-State Tuition: $8,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,536
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
24. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Points: 6
Program Website
The University of Southern Mississippi, also known as Southern Miss, is a public research university located in Hattiesburg. Established as Mississippi Normal College in 1910, the school is an affordable university for a family and consumer science degree. Students may earn a cheap online Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Sciences with an optional concentration in child development that is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Online areas of study include infant and child development, child and family studies, parenthood, psychology, financial management, and drug and alcohol interventions. Students must complete 124 hours of study to graduate.
Degree Options:
Child and Family Sciences BS
In-State Tuition: $8,624
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,624
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
23. Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Points: 6
Program Website
Recognized among the most affordable universities for an online family and consumer science degree, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution of higher education located in Nacogdoches, Texas. Founded in 1923 as a teachers’ college, SFA offers an economical online BS in Human Science with an emphasis in human development and family studies. This cheap online degree program offers an in-depth understanding of the development, change and growth of families, adults and children while integrating family systems, multi-contextual and life span approach. Undergraduates are also encouraged to join SFA’s student organization, Jack’s Council on Family Relations, which focuses on building networks with professionals and assisting families within the local communities.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Science With an Emphasis in Human Development and Family Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,316
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,276
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
22. Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Points: 6
Program Website
Utah State University is a public land-grant research university located in Logan, Utah. Founded as Utah’s agricultural college in 1888, USU offers a low-cost online BS in Family Life Studies through its Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services that is designed to prepare graduates for careers serving families and individuals across the life span. Through the online coursework, students learn how consumer issues, family economics, family relations and human development affect the family and the individual. Undergraduates have the opportunity to specialize their degree through a capstone practicum experience in an area of interest about family life.
Degree Options:
Family Life Studies: BS
In-State Tuition: $8,138
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,316
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
21. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Points: 6
Program Website
Undergraduates researching an affordable online family and consumer science degree may consider attending Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a public institution of higher education located in Natchitoches. Established in 1884, NSU confers a cheap online BS in Child and Family Studies that prepares graduates for careers in which they can improve the lives of communities, families and individuals. In this high-value online degree program, students may select one of three concentrations: Family Life Education (FLE), Consumer Services (CS) or Child Development and Family Relations (CDFR). All students, regardless of concentration, must complete an approved minor and a 180-hour internship in child and family studies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies (CFS)
In-State Tuition: $7,922
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,710
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
20. Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a public research university that was established in 1903 as Western State Normal School. Undergraduates seeking a cost-effective online family and consumer science degree have their choice of two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. Both low-cost degree programs are available online and prepare students to advance their careers or enter the workforce in human service organizations. In addition, both online degree programs offer built-in certification opportunities such as the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) endorsed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Family Studies
Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development
In-State Tuition: $12,483
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,373
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
19. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado State University is the state’s land-grant institution and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. CSU’s affordable online BS in Human Development and Family Studies requires 120 credits of study. Through online coursework and a field experience focused on family and individual development across the life span, undergraduates will discover how people change and develop as well as how society, community and family affect human development. In addition to completing the required curriculum, students may choose from five concentrations: Human Development and Family Studies, Prevention and Intervention Sciences, Pre-Health Professions, Leadership and Entrepreneurial Professions and Early Childhood Professions.
Degree Options:
Online B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
In-State Tuition: $11,707
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,608
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent
18. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1861, the University of Washington in Seattle is a public space- and sea-grant institution of higher education and the flagship campus of the University of Washington System. Students looking for a cost-effective family and consumer science degree may pursue an online BA in Early Care and Education and earn their degree in two or three years of full- or part-time study, respectively. The online curriculum incorporates practical training in the field, the latest research in early childhood education and academic theory. This innovative online degree-completion program prepares students to advance their career in several fields, including parent support and education, childcare, education and both mental and social health services. Two pathways are available: the Core Pathway and the Teaching and Learning Pathway.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education
In-State Tuition: $11,207
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,588
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 84 percent
17. Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Corvallis, Oregon State University is a public land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant research university and the largest university by enrollment in the state. OSU confers a high-value family and consumer science degree in the form of an online BS in Human Development and Family Sciences. This 180-quarter-credit affordable degree program is available entirely online and provides practical skills, current knowledge and opportunities for hands-on learning to help students succeed in their future careers. Students complete four main areas: electives, a general HDFS option, the bachelor’s core and the HDFS core. Online topics of study may include human sexuality, family violence and neglect, poverty, parenting research and application, family studies and infant, child, adolescent and adult development.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
In-State Tuition: $11,166
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,141
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
16. University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Points: 7
Program Website
Recognized among the most affordable universities for a family and consumer science degree, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is also the oldest and largest of all public universities in the state. UA’slow-cost online BS in Human Environmental Sciences and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in consumer affairs is a 120-credit-hour program that provides an applied approach to understanding consumers in public, corporate and individual environments. Available entirely online, coursework focuses on family resource management, communications, demographics, policy and consumer economics. Graduates are equipped to work as financial professionals, customer engagement specialists and sales professionals as well as entrepreneurs, analysts and consumer specialists.
Degree Options:
BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Consumer Sciences, Concentration in Consumer Affairs
In-State Tuition: $10,780
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,230
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent
15. Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1863 as a land-grant college, Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, was the first public institution of higher education in the state. KSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences offers an affordable online BS in Human Development and Family Science that focuses on the processes underlying human development in a family context across the life cycle. Throughout this best-value online 120-credit curriculum, students learn to assess and implement services and programs designed to enhance and strengthen family and individual well-being. In addition to completing core coursework to develop a solid foundation in human development, undergraduates have the opportunity to study a specific discipline of their choosing.
Degree Options:
Human Development and Family Science Bachelor’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $10,383
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,887
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
14. Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, Texas State University, located in San Marcos, is the largest campus by enrollment in the Texas State University System. The affordable online Bachelor of Science in FCS with a concentration in family and child development consists of 120 semester hours of study and focuses on family relations and human development across the life span. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with knowledge related to program administration, family policy, cultural and family diversity, family interaction and family relationships as well as development across the life span and developmentally appropriate curriculum-planning for young children. Students also have the opportunity to participate at the Child Development Center, a teaching practicum and research site. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers working with families and children.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (B.S.F.C.S.) Major in Family and Child Development
In-State Tuition: $10,280
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
13. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1839 and located in Columbia, the University of Missouri is the largest university in the state and the flagship institution of the four-campus University of Missouri System. Through the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Mizzou confers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in early childhood education in a mobile society. Available entirely online with no campus visits required, students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. Online coursework covers topics such as working with families, curriculum development, classroom environments, child development and assessment.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
In-State Tuition: $9,972
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,042
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
12. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Points: 7
Program Website
Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond is a public institution of higher education and one of the most affordable universities for an online family and consumer science degree. EKU provides a fully online bachelor’s degree in child and family studies with a concentration in child development that requires 120 to 125 credits of study. Rooted in the latest child development best practices and research, the curriculum blends professional and academic preparation through course topics such as the foundations of the early childhood professional, family involvement with young children, early childhood observations and assessment, interaction and guidance, advocacy and ethics. Although not required, students may choose to enhance their major with a minor or certificate in a specialty area.
Degree Options:
Child & Family Studies Bachelor’s Degree — Child Development
In-State Tuition: $9,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
11. University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1891, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public university and a member institution of the University of Wisconsin System. Known as Wisconsin’s polytechnic university, UW-Stout offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in FCS Education — an internationally and nationally recognized program as well as a best-value family and consumer science degree. The 120-credit online degree program provides professionals with a foundation in the field of family and consumer sciences education, including apparel, food and nutrition, textiles, housing, personal and family relationships, consumer economics, parenting and human development across the life span.
Degree Options:
B.S. Family and Consumer Sciences Education
In-State Tuition: $9,457
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,424
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
10. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Texas Tech University is a public research university that was founded in 1923 as Texas Technological College. It is the primary institution of the four-campus Texas Tech University System. Offered through the College of Human Sciences, the cheap online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Human Sciences combines students’ community college education and professional knowledge through online courses, allowing students a flexible path to earning their undergraduate degree. Graduates who earn a BAAS degree in Texas Tech’s early childhood program are prepared for careers in which they work with young children.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Human Sciences
In-State Tuition: $9,080
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,040
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
9. Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Ames, Iowa State University is a flagship space- and land-grant research institution of higher education and the largest university in the state. The school’s affordable bachelor’s degree in early childcare education and programming is a fully online program that prepares students to work in a variety of early childhood education settings. Online coursework includes a pre-practicum curriculum, including classes in child development, curriculum development and developmental differences, as well as practicum courses in child guidance and classroom environments and curriculum development and implementation. Undergraduates complete professional development courses and a third practicum in the form of a capstone experience before graduating.
Degree Options:
Early Childcare Education and Programming (ECP)
In-State Tuition: $8,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,392
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 75 percent
8. University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Houston, the University of Houston is a public research university and the primary campus of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1927, the school is the third-largest by enrollment in the state. Students looking for an affordable online FCS degree should be aware that only the upper-division classes required for this 120-credit program are available online. Undergraduates may choose from specializations in development and professional studies, training, e-tailing, technology entrepreneurship and retailing and consumer science. Through the curriculum, students will learn about consumers and various merchandising processes and apply their knowledge to technology-based consumer practices.
Degree Options:
Retailing and Consumer Science (B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $8,913
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,273
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
7. Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Points: 8
Program Website
Founded in 1890, Washington State University in Pullman is one of the oldest land-grant institutions of higher education in the West. One of the most affordable universities for a family and consumer science degree, WSU confers an online BA in Human Development. Online coursework focuses on affective, cognitive, social and physical development with an emphasis on development within the policy, community, school and family environments. In addition to completing the online curriculum, undergraduates may also pursue a certificate in gerontology or, if they are residents of Washington State, a certificate in early childhood education. Graduates are prepared for positions in senior centers, the YMCA, juvenile justice, social service agencies, preschools and childcare centers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
In-State Tuition: $11,584
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,820
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
6. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1873 as a normal school, Southeast Missouri State University is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that has a reputation for high-quality teacher education. SEMO’s affordable online Bachelor of Science in Family Studies examines the social forces and interactions that contribute to healthy, functioning romantic relationships and families. Online coursework explores topics such as disabilities, gay rights, gender equality, poverty, child abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse within the context of families and development. Since this online degree program is accredited by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), graduates may be eligible to become Certified Family Life Educators.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science: Family Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
5. Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1911, Chadron State College is an affordable, accredited college for an online family and consumer science degree. One of three public institutions that make up the Nebraska State College System, CSC confers a hybrid Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences that includes both on-campus and online coursework in human development, nutrition, aging and death and resource management as well as consumer science, professional career development and perspectives in family and consumer sciences. Students may choose from options in nutrition and wellness, health and human services, child and family studies or design and merchandising.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts — Comprehensive Major in Family and Consumer Sciences
In-State Tuition: $7,384
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,414
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
4. California State University East Bay
Hayward, California
Points: 8
Program Website
Founded in 1957 as the State College for Alameda County, California State University East Bay is a public university located in Hayward and a member of the 23-campus California State University System. Within the top-value online bachelor’s degree in human development, students are required to choose a concentration from areas such as adult development and gerontology, women’s development and early childhood development. The affordable online degree program is interdisciplinary in nature and integrates methodology and theory from disciplines such as sociology, psychology, linguistics, biology and anthropology. A senior capstone in the form of a research seminar is required for graduation.
Degree Options:
Online Program in Human Development
In-State Tuition: $6,983
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,863
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
3. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Points: 8
Program Website
New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico is a public research university and one of two flagship institutions of higher education in the state. NMSU offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in FCS that focuses on relationships throughout the life span and how economic and social factors impact the family system. Online coursework covers topics such as research and theory, family economic issues, parenting and child guidance, family dynamics and communication as well as human growth and development. Graduates are prepared for professional work with communities and social service agencies assisting families and individuals. This cheap online degree program is accredited by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), preparing graduates to become Certified Family Life Educators.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences
In-State Tuition: $6,686
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,770
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
2. University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Points: 9
Program Website
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research university and a constituent school of the University of North Carolina System. Established in 1891 as the State Normal and Industrial School, UNCG confers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, an interdisciplinary online degree program that combines knowledge of behavioral and social science with early childhood special education. Students can choose from concentrations in early care and education or birth through kindergarten licensure. Graduates are prepared to focus on adolescent and child development in diverse family, academic and cultural contexts.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,331
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,490
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
1. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Points: 9
Program Website
Topping our list of the most affordable universities for a family and consumer science degree, East Carolina University in Greenville is a public research institution of higher education and the fourth-largest university in the state. Students pursuing ECU’s low-cost online Bachelor of Science in FCS Education gain experience in a variety of areas, including consumer issues, textiles and apparel, nutrition and wellness, food science, housing and interior design, family and personal finance and human development. Undergraduates pursuing the 120-semester-hour online degree program also have opportunities to develop the leadership skills necessary to guide student organizations for high school and middle school students.
Degree Options:
BS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
In-State Tuition: $7,188
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,465
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 65 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Career Options for an Online Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Degree?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including nutrition and education. While bachelor’s degree programs build a foundation of these critical concepts, master’s-level programs dig deeper into these topics and prepare students for advanced positions. The career options for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree will depend on the area of concentration chosen, if any, within the program. For instance, with a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science degree, undergraduates may choose to enter a career such as:
- Adoption caseworker
- Child caseworker
- Financial planner
- Community service director
- Juvenile probation officer
- Housing counselor
- Real estate agent
According to the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, other popular career options include positions in textiles and apparel, nutrition and wellness, housing and interior design and human development as well as food science and preparation, personal and family finance and consumer issues.
What is the Salary Potential for a Family and Consumer Science Degree?
As we can see, the field of family and consumer science is broad and encompasses many different careers. Therefore, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact salary one can expect to earn after graduating with an online bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science. The average yearly earnings for graduates will depend on several factors, including the level of experience, concentration area pursued, number of years of experience in the field, the employer and the location in which one intends to work. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not identify family and consumer science as an occupation by itself, Payscale reports that the average salary for a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science is $53,000 per year.
According to Payscale.com, this B.S. program can be further broken down into the following job titles and ranges:
- Executive Director: $92,000
- Operations Manager: $68,000
- Director of Operations: $65,000
- Human Resources Manager: $58,000
- High School Teacher: $47,000
- Marketing Coordinator: $39,000
- Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education: $29,000
Payscale reports similar salaries for graduates who have earned a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Science, indicating that the average yearly earnings hover around $57,000 per year. Several positions and their anticipated respective salaries include:
- Compliance Director: $99,000
- Marketing Director: $97,000
- Compliance Manager: $76,000
- Human Resources Generalist: $55,000
- Contract Administrator: $54,000
- Project Accountant: $48,000
- Administrative Assistant: $37,000
As we can see, positions and salaries vary widely depending on the concentration, level of experience and the type of degree earned. As is the case with most careers, those with a master’s degree may be able to command a higher salary than graduates who have only earned a bachelor’s degree.
What Will You Study in a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Program?
Bachelor’s degrees in family and consumer science provide students with a broad understanding of community functions, consumerism and human development. Although no two programs are exactly alike, in most cases, students can expect coursework that stresses the value of family in society and teaches them how to improve both community and consumer services. An online bachelor’s in family and consumer science degree also incorporates other disciplines into the curriculum. For instance, core requirements may include foundational classes in marketing, communications, psychology and nutritional sciences. Some schools might offer concentrated studies within the family and consumer science major or a dual-degree option in a related field of study such as childhood education, hospitality management, merchandising or nutrition. Depending on the school, supportive coursework and concentrated electives include:
- Community Issues
- Early Childhood Education
- Retail Management
- Business Accounting
- Entrepreneurship and Economics
- Consumer Behavior and Education
Since these programs are interdisciplinary in nature, students may consider selecting a concentration area to focus on such as hospitality, dietetics, consumer sciences or human development and family studies that best aligns with their career goals. Depending on the school and whether the program is completed at a traditional or accelerated pace, most undergraduates can earn their online bachelor’s in family and consumer science degree within four years.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in family and consumer science degrees.
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