Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland Community and Technical College's general studies associate degree hits the middle of the pack—earnings match Kentucky's median exactly while sitting at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning graduates earn more than half of peers at similar programs across the state. At $27,263 in the first year and climbing to just over $30,000 by year four, these numbers won't turn heads, but the debt picture makes this more palatable than most. With $13,399 in typical debt, graduates face payments of roughly half their first-year income, which is manageable compared to many associate programs.

The challenge here is less about affordability and more about opportunity cost. Jefferson Community and Technical College graduates earn nearly $10,000 more annually in similar programs, suggesting location and local job markets matter significantly within Kentucky's community college system. Ashland serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students (43%), which means many families here are making careful calculations about staying local versus pursuing programs elsewhere.

For families in eastern Kentucky who need their student nearby, this program delivers what it promises: a low-risk credential that won't bury graduates in debt. But if your child can access programs in Louisville or northern Kentucky, those extra earnings—$9,000 annually is real money—might justify the logistics.