Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College graduates earning $35,283 right after completing this associate's degree are outperforming 95% of similar programs nationally and placing in the 80th percentile among California's 133 liberal arts associate programs. That's roughly $8,000 above what typical graduates from these programs earn—a meaningful difference when you're starting your career or deciding whether to continue your education. Among California's community colleges, only a handful including Diablo Valley and Santiago Canyon produce higher earnings, putting Los Medanos in elite company for this degree type.

The $9,500 in typical debt is manageable, representing just three months of first-year earnings. While this sits slightly above California's median for these programs, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means graduates have solid financial footing whether they enter the workforce directly or transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. Earnings grow modestly to $37,818 by year four, which reflects the reality that many associate degree holders use this credential as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree.

For families considering this program, the value is clear: Los Medanos delivers top-tier outcomes for a liberal arts associate degree at a community college price point. The strong earnings relative to peers suggests either excellent employer connections in the East Bay region or that graduates are successfully transferring and benefiting from this foundation.