Location: Paducah, KY•In-State Tuition: $4,656•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,192
Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,132
32nd percentile
60th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$7,928
29% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.44 ManageableSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

A $7,928 debt load is manageable almost anywhere, and West Kentucky keeps costs well below both state and national averages for this certificate. The challenge is the $18,132 starting salary, which falls short of what you'd hope for even from a short-term credential. That said, this program actually outperforms most Kentucky options—it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, notably above the state median of $16,860. The real outlier is Jefferson Community and Technical College, whose graduates earn nearly $27,000, but West Kentucky at least beats the other regional community colleges.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a certificate program. For students planning to work in early childhood education or family services in western Kentucky—where living costs are lower than urban areas—these earnings may stretch further than they appear on paper. However, this appears to be a stepping stone credential rather than a terminal degree, likely serving students who need quick entry into the workforce or plan to continue their education.

Given the small sample size, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. If your child is pursuing this field, West Kentucky offers an affordable entry point, but set realistic expectations about starting pay and encourage a plan for additional credentials down the line.

Where West Kentucky Community and Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, certificate's programs nationally

West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

West Kentucky Community and Technical College earns $18k — 32th percentile among human development, family studies, certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Human Development, Family Studies, certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePaducah$4,656$18,132—$7,9280.44
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville$4,706$26,682—$14,9030.56
Somerset Community CollegeSomerset$4,656$15,587—$10,2870.66
Hazard Community and Technical CollegeHazard$4,656$15,134———
National Median—$21,341—$11,1600.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At West Kentucky Community and Technical College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.