Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Contra Costa College

Contra Costa College's liberal arts associate degree produces graduates earning $28,983 after one year—roughly $1,500 above California's median for this program and $1,700 above the national average. Among California's 133 schools offering this degree, that places it in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most competitors despite being a community college. The $11,079 in typical debt translates to about 38% of first-year earnings, a manageable burden that graduates could reasonably pay down within a few years.

However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. The program costs more than California's typical liberal arts associate degree ($11,079 versus $8,750 median), though it still delivers better-than-average outcomes. It's worth noting that other Bay Area community colleges like Diablo Valley and Los Medanos report significantly higher graduate earnings—above $35,000—suggesting location and transfer pathways matter considerably for this degree.

For a student planning to transfer to a four-year school, this program offers a solid, affordable foundation with reasonable debt. If your child intends this as a terminal degree for immediate employment, understand that $29,000 represents modest earning potential, though the low debt load keeps financial risk contained.