Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Delgado Community College

Delgado's liberal arts associate degree starts below average but shows something unusual for community college programs: genuine momentum. While first-year earnings of $26,311 trail both state and national benchmarks, graduates reach $34,429 by year four—a 31% increase that outpaces typical two-year degree trajectories and lands them well above Louisiana's state median.

The debt picture presents a significant concern. At $25,250, graduates carry more than double the state average for this program and more than twice the national median. For a degree that initially pays below $30,000, nearly matching first-year earnings to debt creates real financial pressure in those early years. That 5th percentile national debt ranking signals this is among the most debt-intensive liberal arts programs in the country. Given that 62% of students receive Pell grants, many borrowers may struggle with these repayment demands on entry-level wages.

The earnings growth pattern is the strongest argument in this program's favor—it suggests graduates find pathways to better opportunities over time. But families need to think hard about whether that eventual upside justifies the initial debt burden, especially when programs at Baton Rouge and Bossier Parish Community Colleges offer similar degrees with substantially less borrowing. Unless students have specific ties to New Orleans or Delgado's location is essential, the debt load here makes this a riskier choice than comparable Louisiana options.