Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at CUNY Hostos Community College

Hostos Community College graduates start at $22,344—among the lowest outcomes for this degree type—but those willing to stick it out see earnings jump 50% to $33,543 by year four. That's an unusually strong growth trajectory for an associate's in liberal arts, though it means spending several years at below-living-wage earnings in one of the country's most expensive cities.

The real advantage here is cost. At just $6,549 in debt, Hostos graduates carry roughly 40% less debt than the New York state median and less than half the national average. That low debt burden makes this program safer than many peers, even with the slower start. Within New York, Hostos sits at the 40th percentile for earnings—middle of the pack statewide, though far below top performers like Maria College or Excelsior University.

For families already in the Bronx where 63% of students receive Pell grants, this is primarily a low-cost stepping stone rather than a career endpoint. The minimal debt won't derail future plans, and year-four earnings suggest that combining this degree with work experience or further education can eventually produce respectable outcomes. Just understand that the first few years will be financially tight, and students serious about higher earnings should view this as part one of a longer educational path.