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

Klamath Community College's Liberal Arts associate degree starts rough but improves substantially—first-year earnings of $24,370 lag both the state median ($26,325) and national average ($27,248), placing this program near the bottom third nationally. Yet by year four, graduates see earnings climb 46% to $35,519, outpacing most community college liberal arts programs in sustained growth. The 40th percentile ranking within Oregon suggests this program performs slightly below the state's middle tier, with Portland and Central Oregon community colleges delivering notably stronger first-year outcomes.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $14,644, it's manageable and sits in the 19th percentile nationally—meaning 81% of similar programs nationwide leave students with more debt. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one improves considerably as earnings grow, making this affordable relative to outcomes. Still, those first-year earnings create immediate financial pressure that families should anticipate, particularly for graduates entering Oregon's job market where living costs in Klamath Falls are lower than the state's metro areas but wages reflect that reality.

For parents considering this program, it's a patient investment—graduates willing to hustle through lean early years can reach solid middle-income territory. But if your student needs immediate earnings to cover loans or living expenses, stronger-performing Oregon community colleges might justify the extra effort to attend.