Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Los Angeles Southwest College

Is an associate's degree in liberal arts worth nearly $14,000 in debt? At Los Angeles Southwest College, graduates earn $32,770 in their first year—20% above the national median for this program and ranking in the 85th percentile nationwide. That's a solid start, especially considering the debt load is relatively modest (the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates owe about five months' salary). However, earnings grow only modestly to $34,169 by year four, suggesting this credential functions more as a stepping stone than a standalone career investment.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so don't treat them as gospel. What's more telling is the comparison within California: while this program outperforms nationally, it lands at the 60th percentile among California programs, trailing community colleges like Diablo Valley and Los Medanos by $1,500-$3,000 annually. The debt is also higher than California's median of $8,750 for similar programs.

For families weighing this option, the value depends on what comes next. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, the debt is manageable and the academic foundation appears sound. But if they're treating this as a terminal degree, those modest earnings and limited growth suggest exploring other California community colleges or specific vocational pathways that might offer stronger returns without the extra debt burden.