Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Community College of Beaver County

Community College of Beaver County's Liberal Arts associate degree comes with a significant caveat: we're looking at data from fewer than 30 graduates, which means these numbers could swing dramatically with a larger sample. That said, the pattern here tells an interesting story about Pennsylvania community colleges. While this program's first-year earnings of $26,455 lag behind top-performing schools like Community College of Philadelphia ($32,697), it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—meaning it outperforms many similar programs across Pennsylvania, even if it doesn't crack the top tier.

The debt picture is genuinely favorable. At $14,551, graduates carry more than the state median but far less than what students typically take on nationally for this degree. The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loans, especially given the 22% earnings bump by year four. That growth trajectory to $32,227 suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market, though it's worth noting this still puts them below what some Pennsylvania peers achieve right out of the gate.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether it serves as a stepping stone to a four-year degree or a terminal credential. If your student plans to transfer, this offers an affordable path with manageable debt. If it's their final degree, they'll likely need clear career goals to match the earning potential of Pennsylvania's better-performing community college programs.