Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Shasta College

The earnings trajectory here tells two very different stories. That first-year figure of $20,031 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—students at 95% of similar programs earn more immediately after graduation. But by year four, earnings nearly double to $38,261, landing solidly above both national and California medians. Among California's 111 programs, this ranks at the 25th percentile, meaning there's still significant room for improvement compared to top-performing community colleges in the state.

The $9,500 debt load is reasonable and sits right at national norms, giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio even in that difficult first year. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates may be using this certificate as a stepping stone—possibly transferring to four-year programs or gaining work experience that pays off later.

For parents, the key question is whether their student will follow that same upward trajectory. If this certificate is part of a deliberate plan to transfer or build toward better-paying work, the low debt makes it a tolerable starting point. But if it's an endpoint, those first-year earnings are genuinely concerning. The safest approach: treat this as a bridge to something more, not a destination.