Human Resources Management and Services at Central Ohio Technical College

Central Ohio Technical College's HR certificate produces estimated first-year earnings of $46,304 against estimated debt of $21,532—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that's higher than you'd hope for a certificate program. While comparable HR certificates nationally carry a median debt of around $18,000, this program's estimated $21,500 burden means graduates would need to dedicate roughly six months of gross income just to their educational debt. For a sub-baccalaureate credential designed to be a quick workforce entry point, that's a heavier load than ideal.

The earnings figure itself is drawn from national peer programs and sits right at the median for HR certificates nationwide, suggesting neither exceptional nor disappointing income potential. However, certificate programs are supposed to offer affordability as their primary advantage over four-year degrees. When debt approaches half of annual earnings—especially for entry-level HR work that often requires proving yourself before advancing—the math gets tight for recent graduates managing rent, transportation, and loan payments simultaneously.

If your student is already working in an office setting and needs HR credentials to advance internally, this certificate might make sense despite the elevated debt estimate. But if they're starting from scratch, you'll want to understand exactly why this program's borrowing might exceed both state and national norms for similar certificates before committing.