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

Coastal Carolina's liberal arts associate's degree starts at concerning wages—$21,682 puts it in the bottom quarter of North Carolina programs—but the trajectory tells a different story. Graduates see 29% earnings growth by year four, reaching $28,030, which nearly catches the state median. The challenge is weathering those initial years when many graduates earn barely above minimum wage levels.

The good news? At $5,500 in median debt, borrowing here is exceptionally light—95th percentile nationally means only 5% of similar programs leave students with less debt. That low burden makes the weak starting salary more manageable, with debt representing just three months of first-year earnings. For context, North Carolina has 66 schools offering this degree, and while Coastal Carolina ranks near the bottom initially, several programs post starting salaries nearly double what graduates here earn.

This program works for students who need an affordable foundation and can either continue to a bachelor's degree or have family support during the lean early years. The earnings growth suggests graduates do find their footing, but families should be realistic about the financial picture immediately after graduation. If your student needs to be financially independent right away, the technical programs at North Carolina community colleges typically offer better starting wages.