Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bay de Noc Community College

Bay de Noc Community College's associate in liberal arts starts exceptionally slowly—that first-year figure of $20,720 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and sits well below both the Michigan median ($28,150) and national benchmark ($27,248). Even within Michigan, where this program ranks in the 25th percentile, it trails competitors significantly: Oakland Community College graduates earn nearly double at $37,347, and several other state schools cluster above $32,000.

The dramatic 83% earnings growth by year four ($37,952) deserves recognition but requires context. That trajectory suggests graduates may initially take whatever work is available in Michigan's Upper Peninsula before finding better opportunities, but starting from such a low base means they're spending crucial early career years far behind peers. The $12,000 debt load is manageable and roughly aligned with state norms, but paired with those first-year earnings, you're looking at graduates spending more than half their initial income servicing loans.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—these figures could shift substantially with more data. For families in Escanaba where local options are limited, this may serve as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. But as a standalone credential, the combination of bottom-tier starting earnings and slow catch-up makes this a tough sell when stronger Michigan community colleges deliver immediate value.