Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson-Davie's liberal arts associate's program starts graduates at just $23,331—about $4,000 below North Carolina's median for similar programs and in the 22nd percentile nationally. That's a tough opening, but the 35% earnings growth over four years tells a more encouraging story. By year four, graduates reach $31,588, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. Still, this trajectory means several lean years early on, which matters for students who need immediate income.

The $13,000 debt load sits above the state median of $7,500, though it remains manageable relative to first-year earnings. The real concern is that gap between this program and North Carolina's stronger performers—Randolph Community College's graduates earn $40,145, nearly double Davidson-Davie's starting salary. Even within the community college system, multiple schools deliver significantly better initial outcomes.

For families banking on a general studies degree to provide quick financial footing, this program underperforms its local peers. The earnings recovery by year four softens the picture somewhat, but those first few years will be financially tight. If your student can access one of the state's higher-performing community colleges nearby, that would be worth exploring first.