Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State's Liberal Arts associate graduates see something encouraging that offsets their below-median starting point: 27% earnings growth over four years, climbing from $25,797 to $32,671. While first-year earnings fall slightly below both state and national medians, by year four graduates are earning well above where many associate-degree holders plateau. The debt load of $12,704 is reasonable—higher than Tennessee's typical $8,750 for this program, but manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5.

The caveat here is comparative positioning. Among Tennessee's 33 liberal arts programs, Chattanooga State ranks at the 40th percentile, with schools like Austin Peay State ($30,708) and Nashville State ($29,280) delivering notably stronger outcomes. The gap between Chattanooga State and top state performers amounts to roughly $5,000 annually—money that compounds over a career.

For families focused on keeping costs low while their student explores academic interests or prepares to transfer, this works. The earnings trajectory shows graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions, and 35% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves its affordability mission. But if transferring to a four-year school is the plan anyway, compare transfer agreements and outcomes at Nashville State or other higher-performing community colleges first. The right liberal arts program depends less on prestige than on where it leads next.