Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Heartland Community College

Heartland Community College's liberal arts associate's degree graduates earn significantly more than their peers—$31,250 in the first year puts them in the 79th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Illinois programs. That's $4,000 above the national median and $3,700 above what typical Illinois liberal arts grads make. With just $11,000 in debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates face manageable payments that shouldn't derail their plans for four-year transfer or immediate work.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too, jumping 23% to $38,522 by year four. While Heartland doesn't crack the top five programs in Illinois, it substantially outperforms the state median of $27,563. The debt level sits slightly above Illinois' typical $7,761, but remains reasonable given the stronger earnings outcomes.

For families worried about community college ROI, this program delivers clear value. The combination of below-average debt, above-average earnings, and strong growth suggests graduates are finding decent entry-level work or successfully transferring to continue their education. At this price point and with these outcomes, it's a low-risk foundation for whatever comes next.