Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bossier Parish Community College

Bossier Parish Community College's general studies program delivers close-to-median earnings with significantly higher debt—a combination that puts it in the middle of Louisiana's offerings but raises questions about value. At $19,750, graduates carry nearly twice the national median debt for this degree, though earnings at $29,780 by year four place them in the 60th percentile statewide. For context, students at McNeese State University earn $37,650 with this same degree, demonstrating considerable variation in outcomes across Louisiana schools.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates owe roughly 8-9 months of their first-year salary—manageable but not ideal for an associate's degree that typically serves as either workforce entry or a transfer stepping stone. With half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are cost-sensitive, making that $19,750 debt load particularly consequential. The modest 8% earnings growth suggests this degree opens stable but not rapidly advancing career paths.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether you're using it as a transfer pathway to a bachelor's degree or as a terminal credential. If transferring, compare total costs carefully—that debt is higher than you'd carry at most Louisiana community colleges. If this is the final degree, understand you're looking at earnings in the high $20,000s, which in Bossier City may stretch further than in larger metros but still requires careful financial planning given the debt burden.