Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Edison State Community College

Edison State's general studies certificate shows unusually strong first-year earnings at $36,016—landing in the 95th percentile nationally but right at Ohio's median for this credential. That gap tells an important story: Ohio certificate-holders in general studies programs tend to earn significantly more than the national norm, and Edison State matches that state standard while keeping debt relatively modest at $12,799.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory. Graduates actually earn slightly less four years out ($34,999) than they do initially, suggesting these certificates may help current workers boost immediate wages but don't necessarily open doors to career advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 remains manageable—students typically earn nearly three times their debt in the first year—but that calculation assumes earnings stay flat or improve, which hasn't been the pattern.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points, so view them as directional rather than definitive. If your student is already working and needs credentials to maintain or slightly boost their current income, this certificate delivers reasonable value. If they're hoping it will launch a career with growth potential, the flat earnings pattern suggests looking at other options—or viewing this as a stepping stone toward an associate or bachelor's degree rather than an endpoint.