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

Community College of Vermont's general studies program lands right at the state median for earnings but keeps costs notably lower than typical Vermont programs—graduates here carry about $2,200 less debt than the state average. With first-year earnings of $29,597 and manageable debt of $10,843, the debt burden represents just over four months of income, well below concerning thresholds.

The program outperforms national benchmarks by a meaningful margin, placing in the 68th percentile nationally and ahead of three-quarters of similar associate's programs across the country. The 17% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find pathways to better opportunities, though the $34,581 four-year mark still reflects the modest ceiling that general studies degrees typically face. Vermont's small market means limited options—just four schools offer this program statewide—but CCV positions itself as the lower-risk choice in that landscape.

For families weighing community college options, this represents a relatively safe foundation. The debt load won't become burdensome, and earnings track reasonably upward from a baseline that beats most national peers. It's worth noting, however, that general studies associate's degrees rarely lead to high-paying careers on their own; this works best as an affordable stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree or as supplemental education for career-changers already in the workforce.