Human Development, Family Studies, at Davidson-Davie Community College

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.