Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at York Technical College

York Technical College's general studies certificate shows an interesting split: while earnings trail the national average by about $3,000 annually, this program actually performs above the median for South Carolina, hitting the 60th percentile among in-state options. That $24,084 first-year salary is exactly what the typical SC graduate in this program earns. The $8,000 in debt sits between the state and national medians—manageable for a certificate program, though not the lowest available.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates carry about four months of salary in student loans, which is reasonable for a credential program. However, parents should understand what they're getting: this is a certificate, not a degree, and the earnings reflect that. At around $24,000 annually, graduates are starting near typical entry-level wages in the Rock Hill area, and a certificate in general studies may not provide the specialized skills that lead to wage growth over time.

The real question is whether this certificate serves as a stepping stone or an endpoint. For students planning to continue their education, it could provide foundational credits and workforce experience. As a standalone credential, the value becomes less clear—you're paying $8,000 for earnings that barely exceed what many retail managers make. If this is part of a broader educational plan, it's defensible; if it's the final destination, you might want to explore technical certificates with clearer career pathways.