Family and Consumer Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Family and Consumer Sciences is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the economic, social, and practical dynamics that shape household decision-making and resource management. This program equips students with the analytical and applied skills needed to navigate complex consumer behaviors, optimize family well-being, and contribute to sustainable economic systems.
- Consumption Theory and Practice: Explores the psychological, cultural, and economic factors influencing how individuals and families make purchasing decisions, allocate resources, and engage with products and services.
- Production and Distribution of Retail Goods and Services: Examines the supply chain processes, market logistics, and retail strategies that deliver products and services to consumers, with attention to efficiency, ethics, and innovation.
- Business Enterprise Management: Provides foundational knowledge in organizational leadership, financial planning, operations, and strategic decision-making for small to mid-sized enterprises within consumer-focused industries.
Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Family and Consumer Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Family and Consumer Sciences degrees, including Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Farm and Home Management Educators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 12,890 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
Family and Consumer Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,760 in Georgia to $116,435 in California—a 267% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Idaho, and Louisiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 12,890 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Family and Consumer Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Family and Consumer Sciences programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Family and Consumer Sciences is found at Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (225 graduates), University of Houston (UH) (73 graduates), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (61 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (5 graduates), and MiraCosta College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 366 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
225 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
73 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
61 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Other Award
|
1 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Palo Verde College (PVC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Blythe, California | Public | paloverde.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Family and Consumer Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Family and Consumer Sciences degree?
Salaries for Family and Consumer Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,280 annually, while Farm and Home Management Educators earn around $58,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $116,435 compared to $31,760 in Georgia. Approximately 12,890 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Family and Consumer Sciences programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Family and Consumer Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (225 graduates), University of Houston (UH) (73 graduates), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (61 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Family and Consumer Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 190 in 2010 to 366 in 2023-24. This represents a 93% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Family and Consumer Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Farm and Home Management Educators, . Related occupations employ approximately 12,890 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Human Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Human Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Family Resource Management
A general program that focuses on the design and implementation of policies and processes contributing to successful individual and family resource management. Includes...
Consumer Economics
A program that focuses on the application of micro- and macro-economic theory to consumer behavior and individual and family consumption of goods and...
Consumer Services and Advocacy
A program that focuses on providing end-use advice and representational services to individuals and groups within a variety of settings, and the analytical...
Family and Consumer Economics
Any instructional program in family and consumer economics and related services not listed above.
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
A general program that focuses on the role of foods and nutrition in human health and wellness. Includes instruction in nutritional care and...
Human Nutrition
A program that focuses on the relationships between food consumption and human development and health. Includes instruction in the cellular and molecular processes...