Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Allen County Community College

With just $8,596 in median debt, Allen County Community College's liberal arts associate's keeps the financial risk low, even as graduates earn below both state and national averages. Four years out, earnings reach $30,553—about $4,000 less than what Kansas liberal arts grads typically make, though the 21% growth rate shows graduates aren't stagnating. The debt burden is quite light compared to other programs in this field (better than three-quarters of similar programs nationally), which matters when starting salaries hover around $25,000.

The challenge is that this program ranks in the 40th percentile among Kansas schools, with top performers like Kansas City Kansas Community College producing grads who earn over $10,000 more annually. That's a significant gap for students who could potentially access those alternatives. The small sample size here means individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest, so the data offers a directional view rather than a precise forecast.

For families prioritizing affordability and local access, the minimal debt load creates a manageable path forward—graduates won't be crushed by loan payments. But students with options to attend higher-performing community colleges within Kansas might see meaningfully better returns, especially if cost differences are modest. The math works if staying local saves substantially on living expenses, but it's worth comparing total costs against programs with stronger earnings outcomes.