Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Indian River State College

Indian River State College's Liberal Arts associate degree stands out for one compelling reason: exceptionally low debt. At just $7,000 in median student debt—well below both the national ($10,950) and Florida ($9,250) medians—graduates start their careers with minimal financial burden. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means students owe roughly three months of their starting salary, making this one of the most affordable paths to higher education in the state.

The earnings story reveals both challenges and promise. Starting salaries of $25,578 trail the national median by about $1,700, placing graduates in the 37th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Florida. However, the 32% earnings growth to $33,856 by year four demonstrates strong career progression that helps close this gap over time.

For families prioritizing affordability and debt avoidance, this program delivers exceptional value. The combination of low debt and solid earnings growth means graduates can build their careers without the financial stress that often accompanies higher education. While other Florida programs like Saint Leo University offer higher starting salaries, they likely come with significantly more debt. This makes Indian River State College particularly attractive for students seeking a foundation for further education or entry into the workforce with minimal financial risk.