Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Crowder College

Crowder College's liberal arts associate degree falls slightly below the national median for earnings but performs better than most Missouri programs, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. Graduates earn $26,643 in their first year and see that climb to $30,813 by year four—a 16% increase that suggests steady career progression. More importantly, they're carrying just $7,752 in debt, significantly less than both the state ($9,039) and national ($10,950) medians. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning the typical graduate can theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of earnings.

The value here isn't in spectacular starting salaries—programs like Columbia College more than double these earnings—but in the minimal financial risk. For students who need an affordable credential while figuring out their direction or planning to transfer to a four-year school, this represents a low-stakes entry point. The strong sample size confirms these numbers reflect a consistent pattern, not an outlier year.

If your child knows they want to stay in Missouri and needs a general foundation without betting heavily on debt, Crowder delivers a serviceable outcome at a price that won't follow them for years. Just understand they're likely starting in entry-level positions where the degree checks a box rather than opens doors.