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

Johnston Community College's liberal arts associate degree costs remarkably little—graduates typically leave with just $5,812 in debt, well below both the state median ($7,500) and less than half the national average ($10,950). That lean debt load creates immediate breathing room, with graduates owing only 22 cents for every dollar earned in their first year. The tradeoff is that first-year earnings of $25,872 land below both North Carolina's median ($26,838) and the national figure ($27,248) for this degree, placing the program squarely at the 40th percentile in both comparisons.

The earnings trajectory shows solid improvement, jumping 21% to $31,311 by year four. However, that still leaves graduates trailing higher-performing North Carolina programs—Randolph Community College's liberal arts grads earn $40,145 within the same timeframe. The gap matters because these programs prepare students similarly, yet outcomes vary significantly across the state's community college system.

For families prioritizing affordability and minimal debt risk, Johnston delivers. The low borrowing requirement means graduates can take lower-paying jobs while exploring career paths without financial strain. But if maximizing early earnings matters more, other NC community colleges produce noticeably stronger returns for the same credential. This works best for students who need flexibility and can't afford to take on substantial debt, even if it means accepting below-average starting salaries.