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

Virginia Peninsula Community College's Liberal Arts certificate punches above its weight. At $31,228 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn more than 80% of similar programs across Virginia—particularly impressive when you consider the state median sits at just $23,932. This puts the program nearly on par with Tidewater Community College, the state's earnings leader for this credential, and substantially ahead of most community college alternatives.

The debt picture reinforces the value. With just $10,375 in typical borrowing, graduates face a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio and see their income grow 12% by year four. That's meaningful progress for a certificate program, where earnings can sometimes plateau early. The moderate sample size suggests steady enrollment, though outcomes may vary year to year.

For Virginia families, this represents a solid community college option—especially if you're near the Peninsula. You're getting top-tier results for this type of program without the debt load of a four-year degree. Just understand that a general studies certificate has inherent limitations: it's typically a stepping stone to further education or a way to gain credentials while working, not a direct path to high earnings. The value here comes from keeping costs low while building a foundation that outperforms most local alternatives.