Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

At just over $23,000 in first-year earnings, this associate's program ranks in the bottom 10% of similar programs across Ohio—a troubling position in a state where the median liberal arts associate's graduate earns $34,000. While Bowling Green keeps debt relatively low at $18,500 (well below the state median of $17,500—wait, that's actually slightly higher), the earnings lag is severe enough that graduates start nearly $10,000 behind their Ohio peers. Several Ohio University regional campuses and Marion Technical College place graduates earning $37,000 to $52,000 in their first year, suggesting better alternatives exist within the state system.

The 56% earnings growth to $36,500 by year four offers some redemption, bringing graduates closer to competitive footing. However, starting $10,000 behind means playing catch-up for years, and even that four-year mark barely exceeds what top Ohio programs deliver immediately after graduation. For a family considering this path, the question becomes whether Bowling Green's main campus experience justifies starting your child's career in the bottom tier of Ohio outcomes.

If your student is set on liberal arts at the associate's level, Ohio's public regional campuses demonstrate significantly stronger employment pipelines. This particular program appears to be underperforming both its state peers and its institution's potential.