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

LaGuardia Community College's Liberal Arts program starts graduates at just $21,713—well below both the state median ($23,613) and national average ($27,248). That 14th percentile national ranking tells the real story: this is among the lowest-earning liberal arts associate programs in the country. However, the $5,500 debt load is remarkably low (5th percentile nationally), meaning graduates owe less than 95% of comparable programs. That quarter-of-a-year debt burden is manageable even on entry-level wages.

The program's saving grace is earnings growth. Four years out, median earnings jump to $33,580—a 55% increase that outpaces both state and national benchmarks. While starting wages lag, graduates eventually surpass New York's typical liberal arts associate earner. Still, context matters: top programs like Maria College and Excelsior produce earnings double or triple LaGuardia's even after this growth. The 40th percentile state ranking confirms this program sits squarely in the middle of New York's community college options.

For students planning to transfer to a four-year school, minimal debt makes this a reasonable stepping stone. For those entering the workforce directly after graduation, expect to start near poverty wages with gradual improvement—the gap between LaGuardia and stronger programs never fully closes.