Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College's Liberal Arts associate degree outperforms most comparable programs while keeping debt remarkably low. With median earnings of $35,674 four years out, graduates earn 38% more than the typical South Carolina liberal arts associate holder and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—trailing only a handful of technical colleges despite the program's general studies focus. The $14,550 debt load sits well below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that many bachelor's programs would envy.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story for a two-year degree often criticized for poor returns: graduates see 20% income growth from year one to year four, suggesting the credential opens doors to advancement rather than dead-end positions. Among South Carolina's 31 schools offering this program, Midlands Technical trails only Technical College of the Lowcountry by a narrow margin. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) makes these numbers reliable, not statistical flukes.

For families weighing whether a general studies associate is worth it, this program demonstrates it can be—provided you choose the right school. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings positions graduates to either enter the workforce on solid footing or continue their education without crushing financial burden. It's a particularly smart option for students who need an affordable credential while figuring out their longer-term direction.