Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Dyersburg State Community College

With only about two dozen graduates in the sample, these numbers merit caution, but Dyersburg State's general studies program shows a pattern worth examining. Graduates start at $26,735—slightly below the national median but above most Tennessee community colleges offering this degree. More importantly, the debt load of $7,722 ranks favorably, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.29. That's roughly $60 per month in loan payments on an income that, while modest, provides room to breathe.

The 60th percentile ranking among Tennessee programs matters here. Your student will likely attend an in-state community college for cost reasons, and Dyersburg holds its own against alternatives, outperforming 12 of the state's 33 programs despite serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients. Earnings growth to $31,800 by year four suggests graduates either continue their education or find their footing in the workforce. This isn't a path to quick prosperity—starting salaries hover around $13 per hour—but the combination of low debt and steady progression creates a foundation rather than a burden.

For families prioritizing affordability while keeping transfer options open, this program delivers on the community college promise: minimal debt, decent state-level performance, and flexibility for the next step. Just remember that small sample means one or two outliers could shift these numbers significantly year to year.