Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lake Superior State University

Lake Superior State's liberal arts associate program punches well above its weight nationally, ranking in the 90th percentile for earnings—that's nearly $6,500 more than the typical graduate from this program earns. Combined with unusually low debt ($16,881 versus a national median of $10,950, though still in the 9th percentile nationally for debt burden), graduates start with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50.

Within Michigan, the picture is more nuanced. Earnings sit at the 60th percentile statewide, trailing community college options like Oakland ($37,347) and Grand Rapids ($33,777), though the gap narrows as graduates move into their careers. The 27% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests this degree opens doors over time rather than immediately maximizing income.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these figures could shift dramatically year to year. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and looking at a four-year university setting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this program delivers solid outcomes at reasonable cost. But if minimizing debt is the priority, in-state community colleges offer similar or better starting salaries with likely lower price tags.