Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

J Sargeant Reynolds' mental health services program ranks in the top 5% of similar programs statewide, with first-year earnings of $39,904—more than 50% higher than Virginia's median for this field. Among Virginia community colleges offering this program, Reynolds graduates earn substantially more than peers at Southside ($28,796) and Tidewater ($23,509). The debt load of $32,601 is concerning in absolute terms, but it's actually lower than 95% of programs nationally—most schools leave graduates with far more debt for similar outcomes.

The catch? Earnings drop 17% by year four, falling to $33,018. This likely reflects the reality that entry-level mental health positions may not offer strong advancement without additional credentials. Even with this decline, Reynolds graduates still earn more than the typical Virginia program produces at year one. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 means graduates face less than a year's salary in loans, which is manageable if employment remains steady.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. But if your child is committed to mental health services and plans to stay in Virginia, this program delivers stronger initial earnings than nearly every in-state alternative. Just understand that investing in a bachelor's degree or specialized certification may be necessary to push past that $33,000 ceiling a few years out.