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

The story here isn't where graduates start—it's where they land. That first-year salary of $22,443 looks rough, falling into just the 18th percentile nationally, but by year four earnings jump to $39,450. That's 76% growth and represents one of the stronger trajectories for associate-level liberal arts programs. While this still trails top New York programs like Maria College or Excelsior by significant margins, it does climb slightly above the state median for this degree.

The modest $11,000 debt load helps considerably. When your child's first job pays $22,443, carrying relatively manageable debt means those lean early years won't feel crushing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 is reasonable for an associate's degree, particularly one where earnings accelerate quickly. However, parents should understand what's happening: many graduates appear to be using this as a stepping stone—either transferring to complete a bachelor's or gaining work experience that significantly boosts earning power.

For families considering Farmingdale State's liberal arts program, the key question is what comes after graduation. If your child plans to transfer to a four-year school, this could work as an affordable pathway. If they're planning to enter the workforce immediately and stay at the associate level, those early earnings will be tight, even with the later growth. The program works best as part of a larger educational or career plan, not as a final destination.