Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

At roughly $29,500, Asheville-Buncombe Tech's liberal arts associate degree earns graduates about $2,600 more than the typical North Carolina program in this field—placing it in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful advantage for an associate degree, particularly given the manageable $12,397 in debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, most graduates should be able to handle their loan payments without undue strain, especially compared to pricier four-year options.

The catch here is what happens after graduation: earnings essentially flatline, growing just $150 over four years. While some North Carolina community colleges see their liberal arts graduates reach $35,000 or even $40,000 within a few years, AB-Tech graduates appear to hit their ceiling immediately. This suggests the degree functions primarily as a credential for entry-level work rather than a launching pad for career advancement. For students planning to transfer to a four-year program, that's perfectly fine—this is an affordable way to complete general education requirements. For those treating this as a terminal degree, the stagnant earnings deserve consideration.

The value proposition depends entirely on what comes next. If your child plans to continue their education, this is a cost-effective stepping stone with below-average debt. If they're entering the workforce permanently, they'll earn slightly above their peers initially but shouldn't expect much salary growth without additional credentials or career pivots.