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

Lakeland Community College graduates earn solidly above the national median for liberal arts associate degrees ($31,743 versus $27,248), but lag noticeably behind Ohio's state median of $33,847. This puts the program at the 40th percentile statewide—essentially middle-of-the-pack among the state's 76 programs offering this degree. The debt load of $13,000 is manageable, particularly compared to Ohio's state median of $17,500, giving graduates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that's quite reasonable for an associate degree.

The 10% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, moving graduates from about $32,000 to $35,000. For students seeking an affordable entry point into higher education, this represents a low-risk option—you're paying less than typical Ohio students for this credential while earning respectably compared to the national pool. However, the gap between Lakeland's outcomes and Ohio's top performers (like Marion Technical College at nearly $52,000) is substantial and worth considering if other in-state options are accessible.

For families prioritizing affordability and decent employment prospects over maximizing earning potential, Lakeland delivers on the first two fronts. The program won't transform financial futures, but it provides solid footing without burdening graduates with heavy debt.