Ididio Explores
Certificates and associate's degrees that pay right away
We found 17 areas of study that can lead to starting salaries in the top half of all workers.
We found seventeen types of certificates and associate’s degrees whose typical graduates are earning above the national median salary for all workers immediate after earning their degrees. For each program, we show you here which states have the most opportunities for receiving this training -- some are widely available, and some a little more restricted. We also share an idea of how much debt to expect if you pursue this degree.
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And now here are the certificate and associate’s degree programs
that lead to high salaries right away.
The top starting salaries reported for certificates and associate’s degrees
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 515
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $40,877
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $12,474
Largest Program: Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, production machinery, marine deck machinery, and steam propulsion, refinery, and pipeline-distribution systems
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $40,877
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $12,474
Largest Program: Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, production machinery, marine deck machinery, and steam propulsion, refinery, and pipeline-distribution systems
Where can you find programs in
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 3,356
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $40,925
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $15,661
Largest Program: Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $40,925
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $15,661
Largest Program: Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations
Where can you find programs in
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions?
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 308
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $41,173
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $16,433
Largest Program: Mechanical Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the design and development phases of a wide variety of projects involving mechanical systems. Includes instruction in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system-testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $41,173
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $16,433
Largest Program: Mechanical Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the design and development phases of a wide variety of projects involving mechanical systems. Includes instruction in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system-testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation
Where can you find programs in
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians?
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 52
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $43,200
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $18,538
Largest Program: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical and electronic systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $43,200
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $18,538
Largest Program: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical and electronic systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification
Where can you find programs in
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering?
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 121
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $43,250
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $15,469
Largest Program: Occupational Safety and Health Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining job-related health and safety standards. Includes instruction in safety engineering principles, inspection and monitoring procedures, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, applications to specific work environments, and report preparation
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $43,250
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $15,469
Largest Program: Occupational Safety and Health Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining job-related health and safety standards. Includes instruction in safety engineering principles, inspection and monitoring procedures, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, applications to specific work environments, and report preparation
Where can you find programs in
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians?
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 97
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $45,800
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $12,002
Largest Program: Chemical Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of chemical and biochemical research and industrial operations. Includes instruction in principles of chemistry and biochemistry, technical mathematics, computer applications, radiochemistry, industrial biochemistry, chemical instrumentation, physical chemistry, laboratory research methods, industrial processing methods and equipment, and test equipment operation and maintenance
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $45,800
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $12,002
Largest Program: Chemical Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of chemical and biochemical research and industrial operations. Includes instruction in principles of chemistry and biochemistry, technical mathematics, computer applications, radiochemistry, industrial biochemistry, chemical instrumentation, physical chemistry, laboratory research methods, industrial processing methods and equipment, and test equipment operation and maintenance
Where can you find programs in
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians?
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 13
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,000
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $16,446
Largest Program: Special Studies in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
A specialized instructional program in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics not specifically listed by the US Department of Education
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,000
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $16,446
Largest Program: Special Studies in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
A specialized instructional program in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics not specifically listed by the US Department of Education
Where can you find programs in
Specialized Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics?
Specialized Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
10) Fire Protection
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 738
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,097
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $11,134
Largest Program: Fire Science
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting. Includes instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, computer science, building construction, fire codes and related laws, fire hydraulics, fire command, fire prevention/inspection, fire protection systems, fire suppression systems, fire/arson investigation, occupational safety, equipment operation, emergency medicine and communications
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,097
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $11,134
Largest Program: Fire Science
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting. Includes instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, computer science, building construction, fire codes and related laws, fire hydraulics, fire command, fire prevention/inspection, fire protection systems, fire suppression systems, fire/arson investigation, occupational safety, equipment operation, emergency medicine and communications
Where can you find programs in
Fire Protection?
Fire Protection?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 643
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,442
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,630
Largest Program: Instrumentation Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing control and measurement systems and procedures. Includes instruction in instrumentation design and maintenance, calibration, design and production testing and scheduling, automated equipment functions, applications to specific industrial tasks, and report preparation
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,442
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,630
Largest Program: Instrumentation Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing control and measurement systems and procedures. Includes instruction in instrumentation design and maintenance, calibration, design and production testing and scheduling, automated equipment functions, applications to specific industrial tasks, and report preparation
Where can you find programs in
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians?
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 663
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,948
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,197
Largest Program: Manufacturing Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the manufacture of products. Includes instruction in machine operations, production line operations, engineering analysis, systems analysis, instrumentation, physical controls, automation, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), manufacturing planning, quality control, and informational infrastructure
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $46,948
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,197
Largest Program: Manufacturing Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the manufacture of products. Includes instruction in machine operations, production line operations, engineering analysis, systems analysis, instrumentation, physical controls, automation, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), manufacturing planning, quality control, and informational infrastructure
Where can you find programs in
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians?
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 24
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $49,500
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $11,891
Largest Program: Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills to the operation of industrial and research testing equipment using radioisotopes. Includes instruction in x-ray analysis of materials, nondestructive testing and inspection of materials, and continuous measurement of paper or metal thickness
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $49,500
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $11,891
Largest Program: Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills to the operation of industrial and research testing equipment using radioisotopes. Includes instruction in x-ray analysis of materials, nondestructive testing and inspection of materials, and continuous measurement of paper or metal thickness
Where can you find programs in
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians?
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 130
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $50,300
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,031
Largest Program: Civil Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. Includes instruction in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $50,300
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $14,031
Largest Program: Civil Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. Includes instruction in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation
Where can you find programs in
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 149
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $51,100
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $21,656
Largest Program: Finance
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $51,100
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $21,656
Largest Program: Finance
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management
Where can you find programs in
Finance and Financial Management Services?
Finance and Financial Management Services?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 1,190
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $54,442
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,583
Largest Program: Registered Nursing
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $54,442
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,583
Largest Program: Registered Nursing
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance
Where can you find programs in
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing?
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 97
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $55,300
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,231
Largest Program: Surveying Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features; and the preparation of related maps, charts and reports. Includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $55,300
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,231
Largest Program: Surveying Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features; and the preparation of related maps, charts and reports. Includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography
Where can you find programs in
Engineering-Related Technologies?
Engineering-Related Technologies?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 47
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $56,000
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $22,357
Largest Program: Legal Studies
A general program that focuses on law and legal issues from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $56,000
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $22,357
Largest Program: Legal Studies
A general program that focuses on law and legal issues from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities
Where can you find programs in
Legal Studies?
Legal Studies?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Number of schools offering certificates and associate’s in this area: 119
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $59,600
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,550
Largest Program: Construction Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures. Includes instruction in basic structural engineering principles and construction techniques, building site inspection, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes, and report preparation
Average median starting salary reported by schools offering this level degree: $59,600
Average student loan reported by schools offering this level degree: $17,550
Largest Program: Construction Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures. Includes instruction in basic structural engineering principles and construction techniques, building site inspection, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes, and report preparation
Where can you find programs in
Construction Engineering Technologies?
Construction Engineering Technologies?
The states with the most schools offering certificates and
associate’s degrees are shown in blue. States
that don’t offer this program are shown in gray.
SOURCES:2020 College Scorecard
2019 IPEDS
2020 CIP Codes
Methodology
This story reports the Department of Education’s College Scorecard
which provides program-level starting earnings and accumulated federal student loan
debt at the school level. This data is only available for individual programs
that are large enough that this data can be shared without threatening student
privacy. We created an average of each school/program’s reported median
starting salary and median cumulative federal loan debt. Schools that could not provide this
data were excluded from the calculation. The number of certificate and associate
completions in each degree was calculated
from IPEDS 2019 completions data.
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