Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Coastal Alabama Community College

Coastal Alabama Community College's Liberal Arts associate degree starts rough but tells an unusual story: graduates earn just $22,329 in year one—well below both the Alabama state median ($24,375) and the national average ($27,248)—yet their earnings jump 45% by year four to reach $32,315. That trajectory eventually surpasses most benchmarks, though the initial year places graduates in a vulnerable position. The $11,000 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings, but those early wages could make even modest loan payments feel tight for recent graduates.

Within Alabama, this program ranks at the 40th percentile—meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state produce better initial outcomes. The gap is substantial: graduates from Columbia Southern earn more than double in their first year, while even nearby community colleges like Chattahoochee Valley start $6,000 higher. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing over time, but parents should understand their child may need financial support during those lean early years.

The practical question is whether your child can weather 12-18 months of near-poverty wages before earnings improve. If they're living at home or have other support, the eventual payoff makes this workable. Without that cushion, the initial earnings gap—especially compared to other Alabama community colleges—makes this a risky choice despite the encouraging long-term trend.