Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Virginia Highlands Community College

Virginia Highlands Community College graduates with this certificate earn just $15,962 their first year out—barely 60% of what similar graduates make elsewhere in Virginia and less than a third of what top performers in the state achieve. Landing in the 10th percentile statewide means nearly every comparable Virginia program delivers better outcomes. The modest $5,500 debt load is small consolation when earnings are this low; you're still looking at debt equal to a third of annual income, and that income itself falls well below full-time minimum wage levels.

The gap is striking: Tidewater Community College graduates with the same credential earn nearly double ($31,688), and even the state median sits at $23,932. While 42% of students here receive Pell grants—suggesting this serves economically vulnerable students who may have few alternatives—the post-graduation earnings raise serious questions about whether this certificate provides meaningful economic mobility. For context, these earnings would qualify a single person for food assistance in most Virginia counties.

If this certificate is a stepping stone to further education, it might make sense as part of a longer-term plan. But as a standalone credential meant to improve employment prospects, the numbers suggest it's not delivering. Parents should ask directly about job placement rates and whether most graduates continue to associate degrees, because the financial return on this certificate alone appears minimal.