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

Cowley County's liberal arts program starts graduates at modest wages—about $26,000—but the trajectory is what matters here. Within four years, earnings jump to $34,547, a 33% increase that suggests graduates are translating general skills into steady career progression. This growth rate stands out for an associate's program, particularly one that sits at the median for Kansas community colleges.

The $8,000 debt load is manageable, working out to just four months of first-year income. However, the earnings tell a mixed story: while growth is strong, Cowley graduates land in the 40th percentile both nationally and statewide, trailing programs like Johnson County Community College by $5,000 at the starting line. That gap matters when you're considering opportunity cost, especially since neighboring Kansas programs often deliver better immediate returns.

For families seeking an affordable stepping stone—perhaps for a student who needs to stay local or build confidence before transferring—the combination of low debt and solid growth makes sense. But if your child has options at higher-performing Kansas community colleges, the earnings data suggests those programs provide better starting positions without significantly more debt.