Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Yavapai College

Yavapai College's Liberal Arts certificate outperforms most similar programs in Arizona, with graduates earning $35,326 four years out—nearly $10,000 more than the state median for this credential. That 60th percentile ranking among Arizona programs matters because community college students typically stay in-state, and this program positions graduates better than alternatives like Coconino or Cochise. The debt load of $10,362 is manageable given the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates owe roughly a third of their first-year salary.

The 23% earnings growth between years one and four suggests graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions. Starting at $28,830 and climbing to the mid-$30s isn't remarkable money, but it's solid for a certificate program that likely takes a year or less to complete. This is a credential designed for quick workforce entry or as a stepping stone to further education, and the numbers reflect that realistic scope.

The significant caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. That said, when a certificate costs around $10,000 and gets graduates earning above-average wages for this field in Arizona, it's serving its purpose. This makes sense for someone who needs credentials fast or wants to test the college waters without committing to a full degree program.