Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Camden County College

Camden County College graduates with this associate's degree start modestly at $27,655, but something interesting happens: their earnings jump 52% to reach $42,123 by year four. That's exceptional growth for a two-year liberal arts degree, and it places this program solidly in the top half among New Jersey's 29 similar programs—60th percentile statewide. The debt load of $9,789 is reasonable for an associate's degree, creating a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle within their first year of employment.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While year-one earnings barely edge above the state median of $25,541, the four-year mark tells a different story entirely. That $42,000 salary approaches what bachelor's degree holders often earn and suggests graduates are either advancing quickly in their careers or using this degree as a stepping stone to transfer and complete four-year programs. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to offer genuine economic mobility for working-class families.

For parents wondering if this is worth it: the combination of low debt, strong earnings growth, and competitive state-level performance makes this a solid foundation. The associate's degree gets your child into the workforce or positioned for transfer without the crushing debt load that comes with many four-year programs.