Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at East Central College

East Central College's general studies associate degree sits comfortably in the middle of Missouri's pack—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $28,037. That's better than most community colleges offering this degree in the state, though it's nowhere near the $47,598 that Columbia College grads earn. The program keeps debt remarkably low at $8,000, well below both the state ($9,039) and national ($10,950) medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of working full-time.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth—13% from year one to year four—which suggests graduates are finding stable employment and getting raises. However, even after four years, earnings remain modest at $31,704. This is typical for associate-level general studies degrees, which often serve as stepping stones to bachelor's programs or provide foundational credentials for fields like administrative work, retail management, or public service.

For students planning to transfer to a four-year school, this represents an affordable path that won't saddle them with debt. For those entering the workforce directly, the combination of low debt and better-than-average Missouri earnings makes this a safe bet, though career advancement will likely require additional credentials or significant work experience.