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

Highline College's general studies associate degree outearns three-quarters of similar programs nationwide while charging half the typical debt—a combination that's surprisingly rare for this credential. At just over $6,600 in debt and first-year earnings of $31,291, graduates face minimal financial risk while positioning themselves for strong income growth. By year four, median earnings jump to $46,237, a 48% increase that suggests this degree serves as an effective stepping stone for students building their careers.

The debt situation deserves emphasis: most associate programs in this field saddle students with over $10,000 in loans, but Highline keeps borrowing exceptionally low. That 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off their loans quickly, even on entry-level wages. While Highline ranks at the 60th percentile among Washington state's 38 programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack locally—it dramatically outperforms the national field where earning over $30,000 in year one places you near the top quartile.

For families weighing community college options in Washington, Highline offers a low-risk entry point with legitimate upside. The strong earnings growth pattern and minimal debt make this program particularly suitable for students who need to start earning immediately while keeping doors open for further education or career advancement.