2026 Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1197 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences school in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $25,808. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,808 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 1197 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Montclair State University landed the #2 spot. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $25,333. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $11,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Delaware came in at #4 on this year's best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,953. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $23,953 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Out of the 1197 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, South Dakota State University landed the #5 spot. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,417 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,417 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Kansas State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $24,489. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Texas Tech University placed #7 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $23,797 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $23,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $22,097 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,097 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Clemson University placed #9 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $25,782. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $25,782 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $22,339 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $22,339 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Capella University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $22,994 in debt. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,994 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $23,951. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $23,402 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Georgia came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,064. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $23,064 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Washington State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $22,983 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $15,794 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $15,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $22,010. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $22,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Florida State University placed #22 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $20,023. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $20,023 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full Florida State University report
New York University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $21,897. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
University Of Arizona ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,400 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
The University Of Tennessee landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $22,212 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on The University Of Tennessee
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Michigan State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan State University report
Oregon State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oregon State University report
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,508. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $16,170. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,214. Set against $16,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. Get the full Tufts University report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,765. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Auburn University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $24,765 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $24,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Auburn University
University Of Kentucky placed #32 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $23,464. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Syracuse University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $23,822. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,822 median debt. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on Syracuse University
Utah State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,846 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,846 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $26,841 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Set against $26,841 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mississippi State University report
University Of Connecticut landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Connecticut Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $23,059 in debt. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
Wayne State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $25,692. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,493. Set against $25,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayne State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Community College Of Vermont placed #39 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on Community College Of Vermont
Wayne Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Wayne Community College
Charlotte Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Get the full Charlotte Technical College report
Mcdowell Technical Community College placed #42 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Mcdowell Technical Community College
Southeastern Technical College placed #43 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Southeastern Technical College report
Suny At Albany
Suny At Albany came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Suny At Albany
Wor Wic Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Wor Wic Community College
Chabot College
Chabot College placed #46 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Chabot College report
College Of Charleston placed #47 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full College Of Charleston report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Geneva College
Geneva College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Geneva College
Indian River State College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. More on Indian River State College
Related Family Consumer Human Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1197 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).