Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lewis and Clark Community College

The striking earnings trajectory at Lewis and Clark Community College tells an unusual story: graduates start at just $22,167—well below both state and national benchmarks—but see their income surge 64% to $36,259 within four years. That final figure actually exceeds the top-performing community colleges in Illinois for this program. The question is whether students and families can navigate those challenging early years.

Starting in the bottom quarter of Illinois liberal arts programs is a real hurdle. While the $7,500 debt load is manageable and slightly below the state average, that first year of earnings barely reaches living wage levels in the St. Louis metro area. This isn't unusual for associate-level liberal arts degrees, which often serve as stepping stones rather than terminal credentials, but Lewis and Clark's initial outcomes lag even by those modest standards.

The dramatic income growth suggests graduates are either completing bachelor's degrees, moving into better positions, or both. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, this affordable start makes sense—low debt preserves financial flexibility for future education. But if they're hoping for immediate career traction after two years, the reality check is that it takes time to translate this degree into meaningful earnings, and those first few years will be financially tight.