Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Mississippi Delta Community College

Earning under $19,000 a year after graduation puts Mississippi Delta's liberal arts associate degree in the bottom 5% nationally—but context matters here. While that figure looks alarming compared to the $27,000 national median, this program sits right at Mississippi's 40th percentile, performing roughly in line with what most Mississippi community colleges deliver. The $9,500 debt load is manageable at half of first-year earnings, and graduates do see 15% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $22,000.

The real challenge is that several Mississippi alternatives deliver meaningfully better outcomes. Holmes Community College graduates earn $25,500—over $6,500 more annually—while Meridian and Jones County also significantly outpace Mississippi Delta. In a state where nearly half of these students receive Pell grants, that extra earning power matters substantially for families already stretched financially.

For Mississippi families, this program represents a high-risk stepping stone. If your child plans to transfer immediately to complete a bachelor's degree, the modest debt won't derail them. But anyone entering the workforce after two years should expect earnings well below what other Mississippi community colleges produce, even accounting for the state's overall lower wage levels. The program isn't predatory—debt is reasonable—but stronger in-state options exist at similar institutions.