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

Independence Community College's liberal arts associate's degree shows surprisingly manageable debt—just $7,302 compared to a national median of nearly $11,000—but the earnings tell a more complicated story. First-year graduates earn $23,620, which falls in the bottom quarter nationally and trails the Kansas state median by $2,500. Among Kansas community colleges, this program ranks below peers like Kansas City KCC ($35,955) and Butler CC ($29,761), though the 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates do gain ground with time.

The low debt load matters here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, graduates owe roughly four months' salary—a manageable burden even on modest starting wages. For a community serving 40% Pell-eligible students, keeping borrowing this low prevents the debt trap that often accompanies lower-earning credentials. The challenge is that even with zero debt, $23,620 barely covers basic living expenses in most Kansas communities.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) warrants skepticism about whether these numbers represent a consistent pattern. For families considering this route, the program works best as a stepping stone—completing a bachelor's degree elsewhere or quickly transitioning into a field with clearer earning potential. As a terminal credential, the starting salary creates financial vulnerability that even minimal debt can't fully offset.