Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lemoore College

Lemoore College's Liberal Arts certificate leaves graduates earning about $2,200 less than the California median for this credential, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. While that's below average, the real concern is the trajectory: $25,061 a year barely qualifies as a living wage in California, and certificate holders often struggle to advance without additional education.

The debt load of $9,500 is actually higher than the state median of $7,456, though the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable in absolute terms—roughly 4-5 months of gross income. Still, when you compare this to top-performing California community colleges (where similar programs produce graduates earning $32,000-34,000), the gap becomes harder to justify. Those extra $7,000-9,000 annually compound significantly over a career.

For parents weighing this option, understand that a general studies certificate typically functions as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. If your student plans to continue toward an associate's or bachelor's degree, Lemoore can serve that purpose affordably. But if they're treating this as their final educational stop, the below-average earnings suggest they'll face an uphill financial climb. The 38% Pell grant rate indicates Lemoore serves many lower-income students, so consider whether your child might access better outcomes at one of the higher-performing California community colleges instead.