Location: Rice Lake, WI•In-State Tuition: $4,524•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,583
Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,210
68th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$12,000
8% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.52 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Northwood Technical College's human development certificate punches above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 68th percentile for earnings at $23,210—nearly $2,000 more than the typical program of this type. Within Wisconsin, it matches the state median exactly, though that comparison comes with a major asterix: there are only 12 programs statewide, and this cohort graduated fewer than 30 students.

The debt load of $12,000 translates to a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. That's reasonable for a certificate program and could be paid down relatively quickly if paired with stable employment. The $23,000 starting salary won't support independent living in most Wisconsin markets without additional income, but as a stepping stone credential—perhaps for someone already working in childcare or social services—it offers clear value at a contained cost.

The small sample size is the elephant in the room here. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a handful of outlier outcomes could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is considering this certificate, talk to the program directly about typical job placements and whether graduates use this as a standalone credential or as part of a ladder toward associate or bachelor's degrees.

Where Northwood Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, certificate's programs nationally

Northwood Technical CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Northwood Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwood Technical College earns $23k — 68th percentile among human development, family studies, certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Human Development, Family Studies, certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwood Technical CollegeRice Lake$4,524$23,210—$12,0000.52
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$49,671$48,577$31,0000.62
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton$4,308$34,716$39,835$17,9620.52
Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin$3,126$34,002—$29,6250.87
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$31,857—$20,9640.66
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$28,328—$11,9840.42
National Median—$21,341—$11,1600.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 Northwood Technical College, approximately 30% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.