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

Hutchinson Community College graduates in this program start modestly at $26,151 but see their earnings jump 41% to $36,754 within four years—a trajectory that outpaces most associate's degree outcomes. That four-year figure beats Kansas City Kansas Community College and approaches Washburn University's numbers, suggesting the program effectively positions students for career advancement despite the unremarkable starting salary.

The $8,750 debt load is reasonable for an associate's program, though it sits above the state median of $9,500. More importantly, this debt represents just 33% of first-year earnings, a manageable ratio that gets easier as income grows. Within Kansas, the program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack among 34 state options—but that steady upward trajectory is what separates it from competitors.

For families seeking an affordable entry point to higher education with clear earnings growth potential, Hutchinson delivers. The program won't produce immediate high earners, but students who stick with their career path see meaningful wage increases by year four. That matters more than the modest starting point, especially at this debt level.