Location: Thomasville, NC•In-State Tuition: $1,978•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,586
Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,448
61st percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$18,168
63% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.81 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Before getting too excited about this program's above-average earnings ranking, parents need to understand the reality: $22,448 annually is barely above poverty level for a single person, and that's what graduates earn a year after completing this certificate. While Davidson-Davie performs at the 60th percentile among North Carolina programs in this field, that's comparing it to other low-earning outcomes. The debt load of $18,168—though below national averages for this certificate—still represents 81% of that first year's earnings, creating immediate financial pressure for graduates.

The good news is graduates avoid the crushing debt loads seen at some other schools offering this credential. The bad news is the absolute earning power is simply too low to justify even modest debt, especially when many community college certificates can be completed with minimal borrowing. For context, this annual salary translates to roughly $11 per hour—barely above North Carolina's minimum wage.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these numbers, but the fundamental question remains: can your child build financial stability on $22,000 annually? If this certificate is a stepping stone toward an associate's or bachelor's degree in social services or education, it might make sense as part of a longer pathway. As a standalone credential, though, the earning potential doesn't support taking on significant debt, even at these relatively modest levels.

Where Davidson-Davie Community College Stands

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

Davidson-Davie Community CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Davidson-Davie Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Davidson-Davie Community College earns $22k — 61th 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
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville$1,978$22,448—$18,1680.81
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
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$31,857—$20,9640.66
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$28,328—$11,9840.42
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 Davidson-Davie Community College, approximately 30% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.