Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Miami University-Hamilton

Miami University-Hamilton's associate program charges nearly 60% more debt than the national benchmark, yet graduates earn just slightly above Ohio's median for this degree. While first-year earnings of $34,431 beat the national average by nearly $7,000, that comparison misses an important point: within Ohio, this program sits at the 60th percentile—meaning four out of ten similar programs produce comparable or better outcomes, often with less debt burden. Marion Technical College, for instance, delivers 50% higher earnings with the same credential.

The program's value hinges on whether the debt load makes sense. At $17,500, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—manageable but not impressive given the relatively modest starting salary. The 14% earnings bump by year four suggests steady but unspectacular career progression. For a regional campus of a well-regarded university, these numbers reveal the reality that a school's brand doesn't always translate to stronger economic returns at the associate level.

If your child is committed to general studies and staying local, this program won't derail their financial future. But they're paying a premium price for middle-of-the-pack Ohio outcomes. Unless Hamilton's location or specific transfer pathways justify the higher debt, exploring other Ohio community colleges offering this degree could deliver similar earnings with significantly less borrowing.