Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Chesapeake College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
chesapeake.eduAnalysis
Chesapeake College manages to deliver something surprisingly rare: a certificate program that costs less than $6,000 while producing earnings above both state and national medians. First-year graduates earn $29,611—better than 65% of similar programs nationwide—while carrying debt that represents just 19% of that initial salary. Among Maryland's 11 schools offering this certificate, Chesapeake sits right at the median for earnings but keeps costs notably lower than the state average of $6,881.
The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, climbing 24% to $36,729 by year four. For students who need a quick credential or are testing whether college is right for them, this represents a legitimate pathway that doesn't trap them in debt. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent enrollment without red flags.
The practical reality: this certificate won't transform someone's earning potential overnight, but it provides a foundation at minimal financial risk. For students unsure about committing to a full degree, or those needing to start earning quickly while keeping options open, Chesapeake's low-debt model makes this one of the safer bets in liberal arts certificates. Just understand you're buying flexibility and foundation, not a dramatic salary jump.
Where Chesapeake College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Chesapeake College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake College | $29,611 | $36,729 | +24% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $33,236 | $52,061 | +57% |
| San Diego Miramar College | $31,804 | $43,527 | +37% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $40,717 | $43,040 | +6% |
| Santiago Canyon College | $31,050 | $42,978 | +38% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chesapeake CollegeWye Mills | $4,010 | $29,611 | $36,729 | $5,500 | 0.19 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $79,921 | — | $17,917 | 0.22 |
 Henry Ford CollegeDearborn | $3,460 | $51,663 | $38,363 | $24,750 | 0.48 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $40,717 | $43,040 | $29,333 | 0.72 |
 Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston | $5,520 | $38,780 | $37,733 | — | — |
 City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago | $4,380 | $36,908 | — | $17,700 | 0.48 |
| National Median | — | $27,024 | — | $9,375 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 Chesapeake College, approximately 27% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.