Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Kent State University at Geauga

Kent State Geauga's Liberal Arts associate program delivers exceptional earning outcomes but comes with above-average debt that warrants careful consideration. With first-year earnings of $34,969, graduates earn 28% more than the national median for this field and rank in the 95th percentile nationally—an impressive achievement. However, within Ohio, the program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it's solid but not exceptional compared to in-state alternatives.

The debt picture tells an important story: at $20,500, students borrow nearly double the national average and 17% more than Ohio's median. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is reasonable, graduates are paying premium prices for their outcomes. The 11% earnings growth over four years is modest, suggesting most of the program's value is realized immediately rather than through strong career trajectory.

For anxious parents, this program represents a trade-off between strong immediate earning potential and higher upfront costs. Your child will likely out-earn most liberal arts associates nationally, but they'll pay more to get there. If cost is a major concern, consider that several Ohio alternatives (like the Ohio University regional campuses) offer similar earnings with potentially lower debt loads. This program works best for families who can afford the premium and value the strong immediate employment prospects it provides.