Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Santa Ana College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
sac.eduAnalysis
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.
Where Santa Ana College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Santa Ana College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana College | $27,782 | $37,275 | +34% |
| San Diego Miramar College | $31,804 | $43,527 | +37% |
| Santiago Canyon College | $31,050 | $42,978 | +38% |
| East Los Angeles College | $33,628 | $41,868 | +25% |
| Modesto Junior College | $25,984 | $40,541 | +56% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana | $1,180 | $27,782 | $37,275 | $7,227 | 0.26 |
 East Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park | $1,238 | $33,628 | $41,868 | $5,701 | 0.17 |
 San Diego Mesa CollegeSan Diego | $1,150 | $33,015 | $35,843 | $6,125 | 0.19 |
 San Diego City CollegeSan Diego | $1,150 | $32,438 | $37,781 | $7,935 | 0.24 |
 San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego | $1,150 | $31,804 | $43,527 | $6,500 | 0.20 |
 Santiago Canyon CollegeOrange | $1,164 | $31,050 | $42,978 | $5,500 | 0.18 |
| National Median | — | $27,024 | — | $9,375 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 132 graduates with reported earnings and 182 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.