Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Moberly Area Community College

At just over $10,000 in debt, Moberly Area Community College's liberal arts program keeps borrowing reasonable, but the earnings trajectory tells a more complex story. Starting at $26,306—slightly below both Missouri and national medians—graduates here trail most of their in-state peers. The 40th percentile ranking among Missouri programs means six out of ten similar associate's degrees in the state produce better outcomes, and the gap with top performers is substantial: Columbia College graduates earn nearly double at the one-year mark.

The 23% earnings growth to $32,246 by year four offers some optimism, suggesting graduates either continue their education or find better opportunities over time. Still, that four-year figure remains modest for someone navigating Missouri's job market with student loans. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 isn't alarming, but it's not particularly favorable either when you're starting at $26,000 annually.

For Missouri families, this comes down to cost versus opportunity. If your student can attend with minimal debt and plans to transfer to a four-year school, the manageable borrowing makes sense. But if this associate's degree is the end goal, other community colleges in the state—like Three Rivers or East Central—deliver meaningfully better starting salaries for similar or lower debt. The program isn't a bad choice, but it's not a standout either.