Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Florida SouthWestern State College
Associate's Degree
fsw.eduAnalysis
Florida SouthWestern State College's Liberal Arts associate program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory—graduates see their income jump 41% from $27,740 in year one to $39,129 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces what you'd typically expect from a general studies program, where earnings often plateau early.
The debt picture is particularly attractive at just $8,000, well below both the national median ($10,950) and Florida's average ($9,250) for similar programs. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary. Among Florida's 55 liberal arts programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining below-average debt levels.
While the $27,740 starting salary is modest, the strong earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully leveraging their degree to advance into better-paying positions. With robust sample size data backing these figures, this program offers a low-risk pathway to higher education that pays off over time. For families concerned about college debt, this represents solid value—affordable entry costs with meaningful income potential as graduates establish their careers.
Where Florida SouthWestern State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Florida SouthWestern State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida SouthWestern State College | $27,740 | $39,129 | +41% |
| Saint Leo University | $41,989 | $45,328 | +8% |
| Santa Fe College | $25,823 | $40,559 | +57% |
| Hillsborough Community College | $30,406 | $39,453 | +30% |
| Florida Gateway College | $21,925 | $39,079 | +78% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,401 | $27,740 | $39,129 | $8,000 | 0.29 | |
| $28,360 | $41,989 | $45,328 | $23,687 | 0.56 | |
| $6,360 | $31,140 | $37,671 | $15,125 | 0.49 | |
| $3,279 | $30,933 | $37,364 | $7,285 | 0.24 | |
| $2,878 | $30,678 | $38,095 | $10,909 | 0.36 | |
| $2,506 | $30,406 | $39,453 | $11,000 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Florida SouthWestern State College, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 504 graduates with reported earnings and 921 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.