Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Gadsden State Community College

The striking thing here is the trajectory: graduates start at just $18,926 but see their earnings jump 85% to nearly $35,000 within four years—a growth rate that suggests this degree opens doors even if it doesn't immediately fill wallets. That first-year figure lands in the 5th percentile nationally, but by year four, graduates are earning above both state and national medians for this credential.

Still, that rough start matters. At 25th percentile among Alabama liberal arts programs, Gadsden State lags behind most in-state alternatives—Chattahoochee Valley and Jefferson State both deliver first-year earnings around $28,000. The modest debt load of $7,774 provides some cushion, but new graduates earning under $19,000 will feel that monthly payment. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many come from families where that initial earning period could be particularly challenging.

The case for this program hinges on patience and your child's ability to weather that first year or two. If they can live at home or keep expenses minimal while building experience, the later earnings make this degree workable. But if they need immediate income to support themselves, the slow start could be genuinely difficult—and better-performing community colleges in Alabama offer clearer paths to faster earnings.