Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana College's Liberal Arts certificate shows unusually strong earning growth that compensates for a modest starting point. While graduates begin at $27,782—barely above the national median—they reach $37,275 within four years, a 34% jump that significantly outpaces what most certificate programs deliver. Among California schools offering this certificate, Santa Ana ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it solidly in the upper half despite facing competition from 111 programs statewide.

The debt picture is the real advantage here: at $7,227, students borrow less than both the state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26. That means graduates owe roughly three months' worth of their first-year salary—a manageable burden that clears quickly as earnings rise. The strong earnings trajectory suggests Santa Ana's program effectively positions students for advancement, whether through skill development or access to better opportunities over time.

For parents evaluating this as a stepping stone—perhaps before a bachelor's degree or while building work experience—the combination of minimal debt and consistent income growth makes it a practical choice. You're not paying for prestige, but you're getting solid value for a modest investment, particularly compared to programs that leave students with similar starting salaries but double the debt.