Location: Charles Town, WV•In-State Tuition: $8,400
Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,857
95th percentile
Median Debt
$20,964
88% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.66 ManageableSample: 32 graduates

Analysis

American Public University System charges significantly more than the typical program in this field—graduates carry nearly double the national median debt ($20,964 vs. $11,160). But here's what matters: they're earning $31,857 one year out, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally for human development certificates. That's $10,000+ above what most graduates in this field make, and it comfortably covers the higher debt burden with a ratio of 0.66.

The state comparison is harder to interpret. APUS ranks at the 60th percentile among West Virginia's five programs, but with a moderate sample size across a small number of schools, these rankings may not tell the full story. What's clear is that this online university's graduates are substantially out-earning the national field, which matters more if your child plans to work outside West Virginia.

The real question is whether the premium is worth it. If this certificate opens doors to specific roles that justify the extra borrowing, the strong earnings outcome suggests it does. But if comparable programs at community colleges can deliver similar career access at half the debt, the calculation changes. For a certificate program specifically, make sure the career pathway is well-defined before taking on nearly $21,000 in loans.

Where American Public University System Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, certificate's programs nationally

American Public University SystemOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How American Public University System graduates compare to all programs nationally

American Public University System earns $32k — 95th percentile among human development, family studies, certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Human Development, Family Studies, certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$31,857—$20,9640.66
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$49,671$48,577$31,0000.62
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton$4,308$34,716$39,835$17,9620.52
Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin$3,126$34,002—$29,6250.87
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$28,328—$11,9840.42
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville$4,706$26,682—$14,9030.56
National Median—$21,341—$11,1600.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American Public University System, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.