Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Cape Cod Community College

Cape Cod Community College graduates start behind their Massachusetts peers—earning just $23,563 one year after completing this associate's degree, roughly $8,000 below the state median and about $4,000 under the national average. Among the 30 Massachusetts schools offering this program, Cape Cod ranks in just the 25th percentile, trailing community college competitors like Bunker Hill and MassBay by over $14,000 in starting earnings.

The saving grace here is threefold: manageable debt of $6,749 (well below both state and national medians), strong earnings momentum (a 51% jump to $35,475 by year four), and a low debt burden relative to that initial paycheck. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay down loans even during those lean early years. By year four, earnings match the state median, suggesting the credential does eventually deliver typical value.

For parents, this is a low-stakes pathway that improves significantly over time. The modest debt load means your child won't be underwater even if their first job barely pays above minimum wage. However, if strong early earnings matter—perhaps they're supporting themselves or have other financial obligations—other Massachusetts community colleges deliver substantially better starting salaries with similar debt levels. Cape Cod works best for students who can afford patience while their earnings catch up.