Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems at Southern California University of Health Sciences

This certificate program's graduates earn slightly above the national median at $27,755, but the real story is the debt picture. At $20,378, students here carry significantly more debt than the national median of $12,125—though still far less than many certificate programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates are borrowing about nine months' salary, which is manageable but worth scrutinizing for a certificate program that typically represents a shorter time investment.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) is important context—these numbers could shift considerably with more data. What we can say is that earnings place this program in the 60th percentile among California's seven schools offering this certificate, suggesting middle-of-the-pack performance in a state where alternative medicine has substantial market presence. The low Pell grant rate (9%) indicates this program primarily serves students from higher-income backgrounds.

For parents, the key question is whether this certificate serves as a stepping stone to further education or direct employment. At $28,000 annually, graduates aren't immediately earning enough to support independent living in Southern California, though the debt load won't be crushing. If your student plans to use this as a foundation for additional credentials or has family support during an initial career phase, the numbers work. If they're expecting this certificate alone to launch a self-supporting career, temper those expectations.