Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Los Medanos College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Los Medanos College's general studies certificate puts graduates $2,600 above the national median for this credential—a meaningful bump that places it in the 60th percentile among California programs. For a community college certificate that typically requires far less time and money than a bachelor's degree, these outcomes suggest a viable path for students seeking quick entry to the workforce or a foundation for further study.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $9,500, though it's worth noting this sits slightly above California's median of $7,456 for similar programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, graduates would need about four months of gross income to cover their loans—manageable for most borrowers. The earnings advantage over typical certificate holders helps offset this higher borrowing.
The main asterisk here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger group. Still, the fact that this program outperforms most peers suggests Los Medanos is doing something right. For a student considering a quick certificate while living at home or working part-time, this represents a low-risk credential that appears to deliver slightly better-than-average results for this type of program.
Where Los Medanos College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Los Medanos College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Los Medanos College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (111 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Medanos College | $29,879 | — | $9,500 | 0.32 |
| East Los Angeles College | $33,628 | $41,868 | $5,701 | 0.17 |
| San Diego Mesa College | $33,015 | $35,843 | $6,125 | 0.19 |
| San Diego City College | $32,438 | $37,781 | $7,935 | 0.24 |
| San Diego Miramar College | $31,804 | $43,527 | $6,500 | 0.20 |
| Santiago Canyon College | $31,050 | $42,978 | $5,500 | 0.18 |
| National Median | $27,024 | — | $9,375 | 0.35 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Los Angeles College Monterey Park | $1,238 | $33,628 | $5,701 |
| San Diego Mesa College San Diego | $1,150 | $33,015 | $6,125 |
| San Diego City College San Diego | $1,150 | $32,438 | $7,935 |
| San Diego Miramar College San Diego | $1,150 | $31,804 | $6,500 |
| Santiago Canyon College Orange | $1,164 | $31,050 | $5,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Los Medanos College, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.