Best Certificate Programs at Polaris Career Center by ROI
Every Certificate major at Polaris Career Center ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
7
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$244,368
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$17,235
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
+$56,525 | $45,688 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$134,747 | $36,554 | $17,235 | $6,365 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Precision Metal Working.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$186,115 | $33,556 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Health and Medical Administrative Services.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$282,235 | $28,750 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$333,655 | $26,179 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$366,275 | $24,548 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
Grad rate: 77.1% |
-$464,075 | $19,658 | $17,235 | $0 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.