Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Central Oregon Community College

Central Oregon Community College's Liberal Arts associate program outperforms 60% of Oregon programs in the same field—a meaningful advantage given that most students will compare in-state options. Graduates earn $31,803 four years out, placing them near Portland Community College's outcomes ($30,852) despite PCC's urban location and larger scale. With debt of just $16,168, this program keeps borrowing well below both the national median ($10,950 for Liberal Arts associates) while delivering above-average earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means graduates owe roughly half of their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for an associate degree.

The 8% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in the job market rather than stalling out. At $31,803 after four years, these earnings won't support a luxury lifestyle, but they provide a stable foundation—particularly in Bend, where cost of living runs lower than Portland. For students using this degree as a springboard to a bachelor's program or those entering fields where the associate credential opens doors, the combination of controlled debt and solid earnings relative to peers makes this a sensible choice.

The clearest value here is graduating with less debt than most Liberal Arts programs nationally while still earning more than typical Oregon outcomes. That's the calculus that matters for families worried about return on investment.