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

Hinds Community College's liberal arts program starts slow but shows impressive momentum, with graduates seeing 35% earnings growth from $20,965 in year one to $28,372 by year four. While the initial salary lands in just the 10th percentile nationally, this growth trajectory eventually brings earnings close to the national median of $27,248—a notable achievement for a program that begins well below average.

Within Mississippi, the picture is more balanced. Hinds ranks in the 40th percentile among the state's 17 liberal arts programs, sitting roughly at the state median of $21,112. However, graduates carry $9,603 in debt compared to the state average of $7,011, though this is still reasonable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. The program trails Mississippi's top performers like Holmes Community College ($25,496) and Meridian Community College ($24,817) by a meaningful margin.

For parents, this program represents a slow-build investment rather than immediate payoff. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates successfully transition into better positions over time, likely through job advancement or further education. While you won't see top-tier starting salaries, the manageable debt load and upward trajectory make this a viable pathway for students who understand they're playing a longer game in building their careers.