Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Modesto Junior College

At $7,373 in debt, Modesto Junior College's liberal arts associate degree costs roughly a third less than the typical California program in this field—and graduates see their earnings jump 35% over four years. That's a meaningful trajectory for a general studies degree, where many students use the credential as a stepping stone rather than a final destination.

The first-year earnings of $28,387 land squarely in the middle of the pack (60th percentile in California), but by year four, graduates reach $38,194. This suggests the degree opens doors that lead somewhere, whether through additional education, job advancement, or skill development. For a transfer-focused community college program, that pattern makes sense. The low debt load means students aren't carrying financial baggage into whatever comes next—whether that's a four-year degree or direct workforce entry.

The math here is straightforward: borrowing under $7,500 to increase your earning potential by nearly $10,000 over four years creates genuine value, especially when a quarter of students receive Pell grants and likely need an affordable pathway. While top California programs in this field can yield over $40,000 annually, they don't necessarily offer the same debt advantage or serve as effective transfer platforms. For families treating this as a foundation rather than a finish line, Modesto delivers solid returns without the risk.