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

Lewis-Clark State College's general studies associate's program punches well above its weight nationally, landing in the 87th percentile for earnings despite being an open-access institution. At $33,138 in year one, graduates earn $6,000 more than the national median for this degree—and they do it with just $17,500 in debt, among the lowest in the country. The 45% earnings jump to $48,089 by year four suggests graduates are either advancing quickly or using this degree as a stepping stone to bachelor's completion.

Within Idaho, the picture is more competitive. This program ranks around the 60th percentile statewide, trailing Boise State significantly but still outperforming half of the state's general studies programs. The debt load here is higher than Idaho's median of $14,102, though still very manageable given the earnings trajectory. For an associate's degree at a regional institution, these numbers are impressive—graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, a ratio many bachelor's programs can't match.

The real question is whether your student plans to continue their education. If this is a transfer pathway to a four-year degree, the low debt and solid earnings floor make it a smart financial foundation. If this is the terminal degree, the strong mid-career earnings suggest Idaho employers value the credential, though Boise State's graduates still command a premium. Either way, the combination of minimal debt and above-average earnings makes this a low-risk investment.