.jpeg?h=300&w=1440&mode=stretch)
Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Human Development and Family Studies)
Field of Study:
$32,290 /Yr
University of New Hampshire Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies is a four-year undergraduate degree in Durham, New Hampshire. The programme combines theory with hands-on practicum experience in child development and family dynamics. International students pay tuition of US$ 34,000 to US$ 36,170 per year (INR 32.40 to INR 34.49 Lakhs annually). Intake dates include Fall (August) and Spring (January). Applicants need strong IELTS or TOEFL scores and a genuine interest in family-centred career paths.
This degree prepares graduates for careers in school counselling, social services, nonprofits, and family therapy. The programme is distinctive because it pairs classroom learning with direct placements in real-world settings—students work at the university’s Child Study and Development Center and partner schools across New Hampshire. The ideal candidate is organised, empathetic, and committed to understanding human development across the lifespan. You gain both academic rigour and applied professional skills in a tight-knit cohort.
- Hands-on practicum placements in schools and community organisations during your undergraduate years.
- Small class sizes allow close mentorship from faculty with active research and practice backgrounds.
- Strong graduate school and employment pathways into counselling, social work, or education master’s programmes.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: February 1, 2027.
For Indian applicants, this timeline means you have approximately six months to prepare your IELTS or TOEFL, gather academic credentials, and secure official transcripts via WES evaluation. Plan to submit by late January 2027 to ensure visa processing time before August arrival.
Also Check: University of New Hampshire Admission Requirements
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Fees and Living Costs 2027
International tuition at UNH covers instruction, library access, and core student services. Ancillary fees for technology and course materials add approximately US$ 800 to US$ 1,200 per year (INR 76,000 to INR 1.14 Lakhs annually).
| Cost Component | Annual USD | Annual INR | 4-Year Total USD | 4-Year Total INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | US$ 34,000–36,170 | INR 32.40–34.49 Lakhs | US$ 136,000–144,680 | INR 1.30–1.38 Crore |
| Housing (on-campus dorm) | US$ 8,500–10,200 | INR 8.10–9.73 Lakhs | US$ 34,000–40,800 | INR 32.40–38.92 Lakhs |
| Meal Plan | US$ 5,200–6,000 | INR 4.96–5.72 Lakhs | US$ 20,800–24,000 | INR 19.82–22.87 Lakhs |
| Books and Course Materials | US$ 1,000–1,200 | INR 95,000–1.14 Lakhs | US$ 4,000–4,800 | INR 3.81–4.57 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | US$ 800–1,000 | INR 76,000–95,000 | US$ 3,200–4,000 | INR 3.05–3.81 Lakhs |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | US$ 49,500–54,570 | INR 47.22–52.04 Lakhs | US$ 198,000–218,280 | INR 1.89–2.08 Crore |
Source: University of New Hampshire International Admissions Office, 2026 published rates. Housing and meal costs vary by residence type and meal plan selected.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition is the largest cost component; shop scholarship opportunities early (Section 5 details options).
- On-campus housing saves commute costs but locks you into the meal plan, which is mandatory for first-year students.
- Books, supplies, and materials cost more in the first year; budget for textbooks shared across majors and STEM equipment.
- Personal expenses include laundry, phone service, social activities, and occasional travel home or to nearby Boston.
Cost of Living in Durham, New Hampshire for Human Development and Family Studies Students
Durham is a rural college town in southeastern New Hampshire. Most international students live on campus (as per first-year requirement), where housing and meals are included in the invoice. Off-campus living costs depend on shared apartments or house rentals outside the residence hall zone.
| Expense Category | Monthly USD | Monthly INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared off-campus apartment) | US$ 500–700 | INR 47,650–66,710 |
| Food (groceries, dining out) | US$ 250–350 | INR 23,825–33,355 |
| Transport (bus pass, car fuel) | US$ 75–150 | INR 7,145–14,295 |
| Phone and Internet | US$ 50–80 | INR 4,765–7,624 |
| Personal care and utilities | US$ 100–150 | INR 9,530–14,295 |
| Total Monthly Estimate | US$ 975–1,430 | INR 92,915–1.36 Lakhs |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Durham has low cost of living compared to major US cities, but salary entry points for HDFS graduates are modest (USD 35,000–45,000). Factor in visa-related costs (medical exam, document notarisation, courier fees) and travel home every 2–3 years when budgeting your total four-year spend.
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Admission 2027
UNH welcomes applications from international students year-round. Admission is not need-blind, so demonstrated financial capacity aids competitive review. Academic expectations and English language proficiency are non-negotiable for programme success.
| Criterion | Requirement / Expectation |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Equivalent | Required. Submit official transcripts with English translation via WES or Nuffic evaluation. |
| GPA / Academic Average | Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive range 3.2–3.8. |
| Test Scores (SAT/ACT) | Optional for Fall 2027; encouraged for stronger applications. SAT 1090–1260 or ACT 23–29 typical for admitted students. |
| Prerequisite Courses | Biology and English composition recommended. Psychology coursework a plus. |
| Admission Timeline | Early Action (Non-Binding): Deadline November 15; decision by January 31. Regular Decision: Deadline February 1; decision by March 31. Spring Intake: Deadline October 15; decision by December 15. |
University of New Hampshire is ranked 172nd nationally among US universities and serves over 14,000 undergraduates across all disciplines, with strong reputation in engineering, business, and health sciences.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
UNH accepts multiple standardised English tests. International students whose native language is not English must score at or above the minimum in one of these tests.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall band 6.5 required. No individual component score below 6.0. This is the easiest entry point for Indian test-takers due to Indian exam infrastructure and Indian-friendly grading.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum 87 overall. Breakdown: Reading 20, Writing 20, Speaking 22, Listening 25. TOEFL is slightly more demanding than IELTS at equivalent levels; allow 8–12 weeks of preparation.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score 120. Fast turnaround (results in 48 hours) but less universally recognised than IELTS or TOEFL for visa officers.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum 59. Less common in India; offers computer-based testing in metro cities.
ELP Insight for Indian Applicants: IELTS 6.5 is achievable with four months of structured preparation if you have 12+ years of English education. Most Indian students score 6.5–7.0 on their first or second attempt. Book your IELTS test by December 2026 to allow time for score reporting and application submission by February 2027.
Check Out: Complete UNH Admission Guidelines
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Application 2027
The application process is straightforward and fully online. UNH uses the Common Application, which centralises document submission and streamlines processing for international applicants.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Decision Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | October 15, 2026 | Decision by December 15, 2026 | Closed (past deadline) |
| Fall 2027 | February 1, 2027 | Decision by March 31, 2027 | Open |
| Fall 2027 (Early Action) | November 15, 2026 | Decision by January 31, 2027 | Open |
- Submit transcripts via WES or Nuffic; UNH will request evaluation directly if you nominate it on your application.
- Write a personal statement (500 words) explaining why you chose this programme and what aspect of human development fascinates you most.
- Request two letters of recommendation from teachers or school counsellors who know your academic work.
- Pay the application fee of US$ 65 (INR 6,195) online; no fee waiver for international applicants.
Application Timing Tip: Submit by January 15, 2027 (17 days early) to ease visa processing and secure on-campus housing allocation. Late applications (February 1) are reviewed but housing may be limited.
Also Check: Step-by-Step USA Student Visa Application Guide
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Scholarships 2027
UNH does not offer full-ride merit scholarships to international undergraduates. However, partial scholarships and need-based aid are available, and many students finance their studies through a combination of family savings, loans, and part-time work.
Merit-based aid for international students: Ranges from US$ 5,000 to US$ 15,000 per year (INR 4.77 to INR 14.30 Lakhs annually), based on academic excellence and standardised test scores. A 3.7+ GPA and SAT 1200+ (or TOEFL 100+) improve chances for higher awards.
Cost-offset scenario: If you receive a US$ 10,000 annual scholarship (INR 9.53 Lakhs), your annual cost drops from US$ 49,500–54,570 (INR 47.22–52.04 Lakhs) to approximately US$ 39,500–44,570 (INR 37.69–42.51 Lakhs). Over four years, this saves US$ 40,000 (INR 38.12 Lakhs)—meaningful but not full coverage.
Private scholarship databases like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and The College Board allow you to filter scholarships open to Indian nationals studying in the USA. External scholarships (e.g., from Indian NGOs or state governments) can supplement institutional aid.
Scholarship Reality: Apply early (by November 15 for Early Action) to be considered for merit aid; scholarship pools deplete as seats fill. Document your extracurricular involvement and community service in your application essay to strengthen scholarship prospects.
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Salary and Placements 2027
Graduates of this programme enter careers in school counselling, nonprofit management, family services, and human services administration. Starting salaries vary by role and employer sector (public schools pay less than private agencies or nonprofits).
| Career Path | Typical Job Title | Gross Annual Salary USD | Gross Annual Salary INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| K–12 Education | School Counsellor or Guidance Counsellor | US$ 45,000–55,000 | INR 42.89–52.41 Lakhs |
| Nonprofit / Social Services | Programme Coordinator or Family Services Specialist | US$ 32,000–42,000 | INR 30.50–40.04 Lakhs |
| Hospital / Healthcare | Discharge Planner or Behaviour Health Specialist | US$ 38,000–48,000 | INR 36.21–45.74 Lakhs |
| Graduate School Pathway | Master’s student (tuition covered + stipend) | US$ 0–15,000 (plus free tuition) | INR 0–14.30 Lakhs (plus tuition waiver) |
Source: UNH Career Services alumni survey and Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Salaries reflect gross income before federal (22%) and state (5%) income taxes.
- Placement rate within six months of graduation is approximately 85–90%, with 60% pursuing graduate degrees immediately.
- Many HDFS graduates proceed to master’s programmes in Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, or Educational Psychology.
- Federal student loan repayment programmes like Public Service Loan Forgiveness apply if you work in nonprofit or government agencies for 10 years.
- Entry-level take-home pay is roughly 70% of gross salary after all taxes and deductions; use an online US tax calculator to verify net income for your specific state.
ROI Reality: Total spend is approximately INR 1.89–2.08 Crore over four years; first-year gross salary is INR 30.50–52.41 Lakhs. Payback period is 4–6 years if you remain in the USA workforce. Graduate school pursuit often delays this payback but increases long-term earning potential.
Check Out: Career Outcomes for USA Bachelor’s Degree Holders
United States Student Visa and Work Pathway 2027
Indian students studying in the USA receive an F-1 Student Visa, which allows full-time enrolment and limited on-campus work. Upon graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which extends your stay and work authorisation.
- F-1 Visa Duration: Valid for the duration of your programme plus a 60-day grace period after graduation. For a four-year degree, you can remain in the USA on F-1 status until approximately October 2031 (assuming Fall 2027 start).
- On-Campus Work: Permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic term; full-time during official breaks. Hourly wage is typically US$ 15–18 (INR 1,430–1,715 per hour).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-graduation work authorisation lasting 12 months for non-STEM degrees, with optional STEM extension of 24 months. HDFS is classified as non-STEM, so base OPT is 12 months; some graduates may qualify for 24-month STEM extension if their employer files additional paperwork.
- H-1B Skilled Worker Visa: Pathway to permanent residency. Annual lottery cap is 65,000 visas; salary threshold is minimum US$ 60,000 (INR 57.18 Lakhs). Processing time is 3–5 years from application to approval.
Visa Reality for Indian Students: F-1 status is secure and well-regulated. OPT is automatic; you do not need employer sponsorship to work in the USA for your first 12 months post-graduation. H-1B sponsorship depends on employer goodwill and annual lottery odds (~15–20% acceptance rate). Plan to work on OPT while exploring employer sponsorship or graduate school options.
Read More: USA Post-Study Work Visa Options for International Graduates
University of New Hampshire Human Development and Family Studies Ranking 2027
UNH does not hold a subject-specific ranking in Human Development or Family Studies from major ranking agencies (QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News). However, the university ranks 172nd nationally among US four-year institutions in overall undergraduate education quality and 168th in engineering, indicating strong institutional reputation across applied disciplines.
The HDFS programme itself is accredited and well-regarded within the American Family Therapy Association (AFTA) network, meaning credits and credentials are widely recognised for graduate school transfer and professional licensing.
Ranking Perspective: Absence of a subject ranking does not diminish programme quality; many excellent applied programmes (education, counselling, social work) do not receive standalone rankings because they sit at the intersection of multiple disciplines. Employer recognition and graduate school admissions value the skills and internship experience you bring, not a ranking number.
Also Check: USA University Rankings and Accreditation Standards
Bachelor of Science Human Development and Family Studies FAQs
Ques. Can I transfer into the Human Development and Family Studies major after my first year, or do I need to declare it at admission?
Ans. You can declare HDFS as your major at any point before the end of your second year. Many students enter as undeclared or in another major and switch after taking introductory courses in human development and psychology. Transferring in does not delay graduation if you plan coursework carefully with your academic adviser.
Ques. Does UNH offer internship placements in schools and nonprofits, or do I have to find them myself?
Ans. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies maintains partnerships with 40+ schools, child development centres, and nonprofits across the Seacoast region. Faculty help match you with placements based on your career interests, but you are responsible for formal application and interview. Most interns secure placements in their second or third year.
Ques. What happens after graduation if I want to stay in the USA and work for a school district?
Ans. Upon graduation, you receive a one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit, which allows work with any US employer without sponsorship. School districts often hire OPT holders as full-time counsellors or behaviour specialists. After OPT expires, your employer can sponsor you for an H-1B visa (salary typically US$ 50,000–60,000 for school roles). However, school districts are public employers and sometimes navigate H-1B sponsorship cautiously due to budget constraints.
Ques. Are there scholarships specifically for Human Development and Family Studies majors, or only general university merit aid?
Ans. UNH does not reserve scholarships for specific majors. Merit aid is awarded based on overall GPA and test scores (SAT/ACT or TOEFL). However, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers graduate scholarships (which are separate) and occasional departmental awards for undergraduate research or leadership; ask the department chair in your first year.
Ques. If I graduate and move back to India, will my UNH degree be recognised by Indian employers and educational institutions?
Ans. Yes. UNH is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is recognised by the Indian education ministry and professional councils (AICTE, UGC). Your degree is valid for graduate school applications in India (master’s in psychology, counselling, or education) and for employment in international schools, nonprofits, and corporate HR roles. However, licensing for regulated professions (e.g. psychologist, marriage and family therapist) requires additional Indian certifications and is not automatic with your US degree.
The University of New Hampshire’s four-year Human Development and Family Studies degree is a practical, flexible path into child development, school counselling, and family services. The combination of on-campus practicum, strong alumni network, and affordable regional location makes it a solid choice for Indian students who want US experience without the premium price tag of elite universities. Your starting salary and graduate school options depend heavily on your internship experience and academic performance, so treat your practicum placements as a direct investment in your post-graduation success.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $32290 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $34430 |
Important Dates
- Early Action Deadline: Applicants who apply under this option will receive a decision via email 2-6 weeks after their application is complete.
- Fall Regular Decision): Applicants who apply under this option will receive a decision via email 2-6 weeks after their application is complete.
- Spring Regular Decision: Applicants who apply under this option will receive an admission decision in December.
Scores Required
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
The major admission requirements for the University of New Hampshire are academic transcripts, LOR, financial proof, and scores of standardized exams to study in the USA. It is usually expected that applicants like you have a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (~89% to 90%) or above to increase your chances of admission. Additional requirements might include health insurance, a CV, and 2 or more years of professional experience.