Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Georgia State University

Georgia State University's associate's degree in Liberal Arts delivers surprisingly strong financial outcomes, with graduates earning $29,070 in their first year—well above both the national median ($27,248) and Georgia median ($24,817) for this program. More importantly, earnings jump to $38,739 by year four, representing robust 33% growth that suggests this degree serves as an effective stepping stone to better opportunities.

The debt picture is exceptionally favorable. At $16,750, student debt sits in the 10th percentile nationally, meaning 90% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. Even better, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 indicates manageable repayment—graduates earn nearly twice their debt load in their first year alone. Among Georgia's 39 schools offering this program, GSU actually ties for the top earnings spot while maintaining reasonable debt levels.

This program appears to offer genuine value, particularly for students seeking an affordable pathway to four-year transfer or immediate workforce entry. The combination of above-average earnings, low debt burden, and strong earnings growth suggests this associate's degree functions as intended—providing solid foundational education without crushing financial burden. For families prioritizing affordability while maintaining earning potential, this represents a smart investment.