Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bucks County Community College

The small sample size here limits what we can confidently say, but the available numbers reveal a program that starts weak and improves significantly. That first-year figure of $24,235 trails both the state median ($25,883) and national median ($27,248) for associate-level liberal arts programs. Within Pennsylvania, this program sits squarely at the 40th percentile—meaning three out of five similar programs in the state produce better initial outcomes. Compare that to Community College of Philadelphia's $32,697 or Harrisburg Area's $30,455, and the gap becomes harder to ignore.

The bright spot is earnings trajectory: graduates see 54% growth by year four, reaching $37,248. That's a respectable climb that suggests the degree opens doors over time, even if entry-level opportunities lag. The debt load of $10,426 is reasonable—below both state and national medians—which keeps the financial risk manageable even during those lean early years.

For families considering this path, understand you're looking at roughly two years of struggle followed by meaningful improvement. If your student needs an affordable associate degree and has patience for delayed returns, the low debt makes this workable. But if immediate earnings matter—say, to start paying bills right away—stronger Pennsylvania options exist at the same community college price point.