Certificate (1-2 years)-20% vs national median176 grads tracked
Human Services, General at Lake Area Technical College
Ranked 9th of 9 certificate (1-2 years) programs in Human Services, General by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$22,038
middle 50%: $17,352 – $27,685
Median · 5 years out
$31,304
middle 50%: $24,974 – $37,533
Median · 10 years out
$38,814
middle 50%: $29,785 – $49,013
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for Human Services, General (certificate (1-2 years)) graduates.
This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates
General Human Services graduates from this South Dakota institution earn a median starting salary of $22k. By year 10, earnings typically reach $39k.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.
Will the degree pay for itself?
Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.
Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).
Paid off in
14.4 yrs
≈ $18,371 total interest
Same major at other universities
Other majors at Lake Area Technical College
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician (Associate)
$71,850 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$57,662 · 5 yrs out
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$56,697 · 5 yrs out
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$56,697 · 5 yrs out
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$56,363 · 5 yrs out
Natural Resources and Conservation (Associate)
$56,363 · 5 yrs out
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Associate)
$56,363 · 5 yrs out
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$56,225 · 5 yrs out
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Certificate)
$55,653 · 5 yrs out
Agricultural Business and Management (Associate)
$55,504 · 5 yrs out
Precision Production (Associate)
$55,122 · 5 yrs out
Precision Metal Working (Associate)
$55,122 · 5 yrs out
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