Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bevill State Community College

Bevill State's Liberal Arts associate degree outperforms most Alabama programs in this field—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt manageable at $7,750. That's notable in a state where this particular degree typically yields lower returns than the national average. Students here earn slightly less than the national median ($25,063 versus $27,248 in year one), but they're beating Alabama's median of $24,375 and carrying about $2,000 less debt than typical in-state peers.

The practical picture: graduates leave with debt equal to just 31% of their first-year earnings, meaning someone could theoretically pay off the entire balance in under four months of earnings. While these aren't high-flying salaries, the modest earnings growth to nearly $27,000 by year four suggests reasonable stability. For context, this program costs roughly what you'd spend on a reliable used car, not a mortgage-sized burden.

This makes sense as a low-risk credential for students who need flexibility—perhaps those working while studying or planning to transfer to a four-year program later. The debt load won't become an anchor, and you're getting better-than-average results for Alabama. Just understand this is a foundation, not a fast track to high earnings.