Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Daytona State College

This Liberal Arts associate's degree from Daytona State College delivers solid value with manageable debt and earnings that outpace most peers. At $28,917 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $2,000 more than the national median for this program and nearly $2,000 above Florida's state median. Among Florida's 55 schools offering this degree, Daytona State ranks in the 60th percentile—meaning it performs better than most in-state options.

The financial picture is particularly appealing. With just $9,000 in median debt—lower than both national and state averages—students face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, which is very manageable. This means graduates can realistically pay off their debt within a few years while building their careers. The 10% earnings growth from year one to year four shows decent income progression, though the $31,838 four-year mark remains modest.

For families considering this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or immediate workforce entry, the low debt load makes it a relatively safe investment. While you won't see the $40,000+ earnings of programs like Saint Leo University, you're also avoiding the higher costs and debt that typically come with such outcomes. This program offers a practical path forward without the financial stress that often accompanies higher education.