Location: Santa Ana, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,180•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,460
Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,863
74th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$6,630
41% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.28 ManageableSample: 17 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Santa Ana College's certificate graduates earn nearly $3,000 more than typical California certificate holders in this field—a meaningful advantage for a credential that takes less than a year to complete. With debt of just $6,630, students face the lowest financial risk among community colleges offering this program. The 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of full-time work, though actual earnings of around $24,000 annually require careful budgeting.

The caveat matters here: fewer than 30 students were tracked, so these outcomes could shift significantly year to year. That said, Santa Ana's results place it among California's top three programs for earnings, trailing only Cabrillo College by about $200. The $23,863 starting salary sits in the 74th percentile nationally, suggesting the program positions graduates competitively despite the modest absolute earnings.

For families considering this as a stepping stone—perhaps toward a bachelor's degree in social work or early childhood education—the minimal debt makes sense. As a standalone credential, understand that $24,000 annually is below living wage in Orange County. The program appears to deliver what it promises at low cost, but career advancement likely requires additional education.

Where Santa Ana College Stands

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

Santa Ana CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Santa Ana College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Santa Ana College earns $24k — 74th percentile among human development, family studies, certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Human Development, Family Studies, certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (112 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana$1,180$23,863—$6,6300.28
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$23,686$22,130——
Coalinga CollegeCoalinga$1,384$18,810$27,959$9,5000.51
Modesto Junior CollegeModesto$1,270$15,819$18,330$9,1360.58
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 Santa Ana College, approximately 16% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.