Human Development, Family Studies, at Somerset Community College

That $15,587 first-year salary should catch your attention—it's barely above minimum wage for full-time work. While this certificate sits at the 40th percentile among Kentucky programs in this field, that's cold comfort when the state median itself is only $16,860. The top community college program in Kentucky (Jefferson) graduates students earning nearly $27,000, showing there are significantly better options within the state system. The modest $10,287 debt load keeps this from being a complete disaster, but you're still looking at debt equal to two-thirds of a year's earnings.

The reality is that certificate programs in family studies typically serve as stepping stones toward roles in childcare, social services, or early education—fields that rarely pay well initially. This program's particularly low national ranking (20th percentile) suggests it may not be providing the credentials or connections that help graduates access even the modest salaries common in this field. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched.

If your child is committed to this field, at minimum compare outcomes at Jefferson Community and Technical College or other Kentucky programs before choosing Somerset. Better yet, consider whether an associate or bachelor's degree—despite higher upfront costs—might open doors to supervisory or higher-paying positions that would justify the investment. A certificate leading to near-poverty wages rarely makes financial sense unless it's part of a clear plan for further education.