Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at John C Calhoun State Community College

John C. Calhoun State's Liberal Arts associate's earns just above the state median for this program, ranking in the 60th percentile among Alabama schools—but that's a low bar. At $24,455 in the first year, graduates start well below the national median of $27,248, though the debt load of $11,236 remains relatively manageable with a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real story here is trajectory. Earnings jump 42% by year four to $34,659, suggesting graduates use this degree as a stepping stone—likely transferring to four-year programs or gaining workplace skills that translate to better opportunities. That growth rate is notable for a general studies program, where many students see more modest gains. However, you're still looking at below-average starting earnings compared to the national pool of similar programs.

For Alabama families seeking an affordable starting point for higher education, this program delivers reasonable value—debt stays under control and earnings improve meaningfully over time. But parents should understand they're paying for access and momentum, not immediate earning power. If your child has clear transfer plans to complete a bachelor's degree, this could work. If they're planning to stop at the associate's level, the initial earnings may feel uncomfortably tight, even with future growth potential.