Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Carroll Community College

Carroll Community College's Liberal Arts associate's program starts slow but shows remarkable income growth, with earnings jumping 68% from year one to year four. That $39,281 four-year mark substantially outpaces both Maryland's median ($26,448) and the national benchmark ($27,248), suggesting graduates either continue their education successfully or develop marketable skills over time.

The immediate challenge is that first year: $23,320 puts this program in just the 22nd percentile nationally. Among Maryland's 18 programs, it ranks exactly at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in-state but struggling nationally. The $8,750 debt load is manageable compared to the four-year earnings (roughly 22% of that income), though it's on the higher end relative to national norms for this degree. For context, top Maryland programs like Baltimore City Community College deliver starting salaries around $41,000, nearly double Carroll's first-year figure.

This program makes sense if your child plans to transfer to a four-year institution or needs time to establish career footing—the earnings trajectory suggests that's what successful graduates do. The low debt keeps the risk reasonable. But if immediate income after an associate's degree matters, other Maryland community colleges deliver stronger starting salaries without requiring that patient climb.