Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons graduates see something uncommon in associate-level liberal arts: actual earnings growth. That jump from $29,397 to nearly $41,000 by year four represents 39% growth, suggesting students are gaining traction in the workforce rather than staying stuck in entry-level positions. The first-year earnings beat both the California median ($27,524) and national median ($27,248) for this program, and the gap only widens with time.

The modest $7,750 debt load makes this especially workable. At just 0.26 times first-year earnings, that's debt most graduates can manage even on those initial wages—and as earnings climb toward $41,000, it becomes even less of a burden. Among California's 133 schools offering this degree, College of the Canyons ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt below the state median of $8,750.

For families viewing an associate degree as a stepping stone rather than a destination, this combination works. The early wages aren't impressive, but they're above average for the program type, the debt is manageable, and the trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your child plans to transfer to a four-year school or work while studying further, this provides a foundation without the financial weight that makes those next steps harder to take.