Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College's liberal arts associate degree falls squarely in the middle of the pack, but that's not necessarily bad news for cost-conscious families. With starting salaries around $27,000 and manageable debt of $9,500, graduates face a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio that won't crush their budgets. The program performs slightly below both national and Florida medians for earnings, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide, but the gap isn't dramatic.

The financial picture improves over time, with earnings growing a solid 20% to $32,000 by year four. While this won't match the $42,000 that Saint Leo University graduates earn, it also comes without the crushing debt load typical of four-year institutions. The debt here is actually lower than both state and national averages for similar programs, making this a relatively low-risk educational investment.

For parents seeking an affordable stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or job market entry, this program delivers decent value without financial devastation. The modest debt load means graduates have flexibility to either enter the workforce or transfer to complete a four-year degree without being overwhelmed by payments. It's a practical choice that keeps doors open rather than slamming them shut with debt.