Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Washburn University

Washburn's undergraduate certificate in mental health services shows earnings that surpass the national median by more than $10,000—placing it in the 71st percentile nationally—but the program's debt load tells a more complicated story. While graduates start at $42,402 and see modest growth to $43,872 by year four, they're carrying $31,125 in debt, which is more than double what students at comparable programs typically borrow nationwide.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates face roughly nine months of gross salary in loans, a manageable situation that many could navigate with careful budgeting. However, with only a handful of schools in Kansas offering this certificate (four total), and the small graduate cohort making these numbers less reliable, it's worth questioning whether a full certificate program is necessary for roles that might be accessible through shorter training or associate degrees elsewhere.

The practical concern: these earnings are solid for entry-level mental health work, but they don't grow much over time, and the debt is steeper than it needs to be. If your child is committed to Kansas and this specific field, the program works financially. But before committing, compare costs against community college options or check whether relevant employers value this certificate enough to justify borrowing twice the national average for similar credentials.