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

With only a handful of graduates tracked, Virginia Western's general studies certificate shows earnings that land right at Virginia's median for these programs but well below the national average. That 40th percentile state ranking means this program performs similarly to most other Virginia community colleges offering this credential, though notably behind leaders like Tidewater ($31,688) and Virginia Peninsula ($31,228).

The $11,075 debt load creates a reasonable but not comfortable picture: graduates owe roughly half their first-year earnings of $22,692. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 is manageable compared to many programs, the absolute starting salary means those monthly loan payments will take a meaningful bite from an already tight budget. The positive sign is steady earnings growth—from $22,692 to $27,481 over four years—suggesting the credential does help graduates progress in their careers or qualify for better positions over time.

For parents considering this investment, understand you're looking at a certificate that functions primarily as a stepping stone rather than a career credential. The small sample size means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. If your student plans to continue toward an associate or bachelor's degree, this might serve its purpose. But as a standalone credential for entering the workforce, the sub-$23,000 starting earnings suggest your child would need additional education or training to reach a sustainable income level.