Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College's general studies program shows something noteworthy: four years after graduation, earnings climb to $35,240—significantly outpacing both the Kansas median ($26,130) and landing this program in the 60th percentile statewide. That 29% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing and advancing into better positions, even if the starting point looks modest at $27,303.

The debt picture strengthens the case. At $9,638, graduates owe less than typical for Kansas programs in this field and carry a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates can realistically pay down their loans on entry-level wages while positioning themselves for the income gains that appear to materialize by year four. For families concerned about debt burden from a two-year degree, these numbers stay within reasonable bounds.

The real question is patience. Parents need to understand this isn't a quick path to high earnings—it's a foundation that takes time to pay off. Year-four earnings that exceed even some Kansas four-year programs suggest this associate's degree opens doors that take a few years to walk through. For students planning to work their way up or continue their education while employed, Fort Scott delivers a low-risk entry point with genuine upward mobility built in.