Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Kennedy-King's Liberal Arts certificate sits in an unusual spot: students here graduate with notably more debt than typical for this credential ($16,875 versus a national median of $9,375), yet the first-year debt load remains manageable at 0.62 times earnings—better than many bachelor's programs. The $27,284 starting salary matches both the Illinois and national medians, placing graduates at the 60th percentile among Illinois programs. However, keep in mind that fewer than 30 students completed this program, so these figures could shift significantly with different cohorts.

The real question is whether this certificate makes sense as a standalone credential. At other City Colleges, the same program produces dramatically different results: Malcolm X College graduates earn $36,908—35% more—with identical debt levels. That $9,600 gap in starting salary matters considerably when you're carrying nearly $17,000 in debt on what's meant to be a shorter, more affordable pathway than a bachelor's degree.

For a student testing college waters or needing quick workforce entry, this might work—the debt is serviceable and 38% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting it serves those who need accessible options. But parents should understand this certificate alone won't dramatically boost earning potential, and comparable programs at other community colleges in the system deliver stronger returns without additional debt.