Real Estate at Sinclair Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Sinclair's real estate certificate graduates start at nearly $35,000 and see their earnings climb to over $40,000 within four years—a 16% increase that suggests solid career trajectory. Among Ohio's 16 real estate certificate programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while carrying significantly less debt than the state median ($13,718 versus $19,692). That's a meaningful advantage when you're trying to break into a commission-based field where income stability takes time to build.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates face roughly five months of their first-year salary in loans—manageable for an entry credential, especially one that shows consistent earnings growth. While the starting salary is modest, it's essentially matching both the national and state medians for similar programs, and the upward trajectory suggests students are gaining traction in real estate sales or related roles.
For a parent whose child is certain about pursuing real estate, this certificate offers a low-risk entry point with below-average debt and demonstrated earnings progression. The credential appears to provide exactly what it should: foundational training that helps graduates get licensed and start building their book of business without drowning in education debt.
Where Sinclair Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sinclair Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sinclair Community College graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all real estate certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Real Estate certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College | $34,934 | $40,392 | $13,718 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $34,666 | — | $16,033 | 0.46 |
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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 58 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.