Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Florida Atlantic University

The standout feature here isn't the numbers themselves—it's what they reveal about certificate programs in this field. With earnings at $25,501 and debt of just $13,500, FAU's psychology certificate hits the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while carrying minimal debt burden. The 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income, which is exceptional by any standard.

However, the limited sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—demands serious caution. These numbers may reflect a handful of students who happened to find solid positions immediately, rather than a reliable pattern you can bank on. The certificate format itself raises questions: these credentials typically serve as supplements to bachelor's degrees or stepping stones to further education, not standalone workforce entries. That $25,501 salary, while ranking well against other psychology certificates, is still quite modest in absolute terms.

If your student is considering this as preparation for graduate work in psychology or as a complement to another degree, the low debt makes it relatively low-risk. But if they're hoping this certificate alone will launch a career, understand that you're looking at entry-level earnings and very limited data on outcomes. The smart move is confirming exactly how graduates from this specific program are using their certificates before committing.