Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Garrett College

The $13,943 first-year earnings figure here should concern any parent—it ranks in just the 10th percentile among Maryland's 18 liberal arts associate programs and the 5th percentile nationally. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically with more data, that $14,000 translates to barely above minimum wage full-time work. For context, Baltimore City Community College's similar program shows graduates earning $41,120 four years out—nearly triple what Garrett grads report at the same milestone. The modest $13,352 in debt isn't the problem; it's that the early earnings barely exceed it.

The 129% earnings growth to $31,940 by year four offers some recovery, though this still lags the $41,000+ that top Maryland programs achieve. This pattern suggests either delayed workforce entry or a progression from part-time to full-time employment rather than career advancement. Given that 31% of Garrett students receive Pell grants, many may be working while studying or dealing with rural job market constraints in western Maryland.

With such a small graduating class, it's worth asking whether this associate degree is the intended endpoint or a stepping stone to a bachelor's program elsewhere. If your child plans to transfer, these earnings figures may not matter. But as a standalone credential for immediate employment, the numbers suggest looking at community colleges closer to Maryland's employment centers.