Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Central Virginia Community College

Earning just $18,625 a year after completing this certificate—barely above minimum wage for full-time work—creates a challenging starting point. While the debt load of $9,705 is manageable in absolute terms, it represents 52% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates will spend significant portions of their income on loan payments during a financially precarious period. For a certificate program, this kind of earnings outcome raises questions about whether it's providing adequate workforce preparation.

The state comparison amplifies these concerns. Among Virginia's 24 schools offering this program, Central Virginia Community College ranks at just the 25th percentile for earnings. Top performers like Tidewater and Virginia Peninsula Community College place graduates earning around $31,000—nearly 70% more than CVCC. Even nearby Piedmont Virginia Community College's graduates earn $28,910. Nationally, this program sits at the 5th percentile, suggesting the low earnings aren't just a Virginia issue but specific to this institution.

If your child is considering this certificate, understand it's unlikely to provide immediate economic lift. The credential might serve as a stepping stone toward further education rather than direct workforce entry, but in that case, starting with a traditional associate degree at a higher-performing community college would likely offer better value and more complete preparation.