Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Grand Rapids Community College
Associate's Degree
grcc.eduAnalysis
Grand Rapids Community College's liberal arts program delivers exceptionally strong outcomes for an associate's degree, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally with graduates earning $33,777 in their first year—about $6,500 more than the national average for similar programs. This positions it among the top performers nationally, though it sits in the middle of Michigan's competitive landscape at the 60th percentile statewide.
The financial picture is particularly attractive. With median debt of just $13,644 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within 5-6 years while building careers. The debt level is notably reasonable—25% below the national 75th percentile—making this program accessible without creating financial strain. Earnings growth of 7% from year one to year four shows steady career progression, reaching $36,125 by the fourth year.
While this program doesn't crack Michigan's top tier (Oakland Community College leads at $37,347), it significantly outperforms many state competitors and delivers solid value. The combination of strong earnings, manageable debt, and proven track record with 100+ graduates makes this a smart choice for students seeking a liberal arts foundation without the premium price tag of four-year institutions.
Where Grand Rapids Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Grand Rapids Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids Community College | $33,777 | $36,125 | +7% |
| Lake Superior State University | $33,753 | $42,690 | +26% |
| Lake Michigan College | $21,526 | $40,776 | +89% |
| Delta College | $28,721 | $40,724 | +42% |
| Macomb Community College | $29,791 | $39,937 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (49 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids | $4,059 | $33,777 | $36,125 | $13,644 | 0.40 |
 Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills | $3,020 | $37,347 | $35,678 | $12,843 | 0.34 |
 Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie | $14,266 | $33,753 | $42,690 | $16,881 | 0.50 |
 Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKalamazoo | $4,046 | $33,055 | $37,470 | $14,665 | 0.44 |
 Kellogg Community CollegeBattle Creek | $3,798 | $32,616 | $31,533 | $15,057 | 0.46 |
 Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit | $3,112 | $30,703 | $32,569 | $17,154 | 0.56 |
| 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 Grand Rapids Community College, approximately 27% 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 588 graduates with reported earnings and 930 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.