Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College's liberal arts associate's degree ranks near the bottom among Massachusetts programs—10th percentile statewide, with four-year earnings of $32,496 compared to the state median of $31,206. That's $6,000 below what graduates at community colleges like Bunker Hill or MassBay are earning with the same degree. At first glance, the $14,048 debt load seems reasonable, but it's actually higher than most Massachusetts liberal arts programs (where the median is $9,375), which makes the poor earnings outcome harder to justify.

The dramatic earnings jump from year one to year four (75% growth) might seem encouraging, but that first-year figure of $18,571 is extremely low—barely above minimum wage. Even after that growth, graduates are still earning below both national and state medians for this program. For a family considering this investment, the question becomes whether an associate's degree that trails most Massachusetts alternatives is worth taking on debt that exceeds the state norm.

If your child is set on liberal arts at a Massachusetts community college, data suggests looking at options in the Boston area first. This program might work if keeping costs absolutely minimal is the priority and your child plans to transfer quickly to complete a bachelor's degree, but as a standalone credential, it's underperforming its in-state peers.