Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Sinclair Community College

This program's earnings lag far behind what graduates can expect elsewhere—even within Ohio. At $18,958 one year after graduation, Sinclair's certificate holders earn about $5,500 less than the state median for this field and nearly $14,000 below the national median. That 5th percentile national ranking tells the real story: 95% of similar programs nationwide produce better earnings outcomes. Cincinnati State's mental health program, by comparison, delivers starting earnings over 50% higher, suggesting the issue isn't Ohio's job market but something specific to this program's outcomes.

The debt picture makes matters worse. While $9,183 might sound manageable, it's actually among the highest burdens for this credential nationwide (95th percentile). Combined with those low earnings, graduates face a debt-to-income ratio of 0.48—meaning they're carrying nearly half their annual salary in loans. For context, the national median debt for these programs is $14,519, but those borrowers typically earn $32,000 and can more reasonably manage repayment.

The concerning reality: graduates of this certificate program earn less than many retail workers in the Dayton area, while carrying debt that will take years to repay at those income levels. Unless your child has a clear pathway to quickly advance beyond entry-level positions—or this certificate is a required stepping stone to a specific higher-paying credential—the numbers suggest looking at alternative programs, even if it means traveling to Cincinnati or another Ohio institution with stronger outcomes.