Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Mineral Area College

Mineral Area College's general studies associate degree produces earnings that trail both state and national benchmarks, but the modest debt load keeps the program financially viable for students who need an affordable entry point to higher education. First-year graduates earn about $25,500—roughly $2,000 below Missouri's median for similar programs and $1,800 below the national average. Among Missouri's 27 schools offering this degree, Mineral Area ranks around the 40th percentile, placing it solidly in the lower half of the state.

The saving grace here is debt. At just over $8,000, graduates owe significantly less than both the state median ($9,039) and especially the national median ($10,950). That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of full-time work. The 22% earnings bump by year four also matters—graduates reach nearly $31,000, closer to their peers at better-performing Missouri schools.

For families prioritizing affordability over earnings potential, this works. Students get credentials without crushing debt, though they should understand they're not positioning themselves for the higher earnings available at places like Three Rivers or East Central College. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program or just needs cost-effective general education credits, Mineral Area delivers value. If maximizing associate-level earnings matters more, look at those higher-ranked Missouri alternatives.