Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Nashville State Community College

Nashville State's liberal arts associate degree punches above its weight, landing in the 66th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Tennessee programs—notably outperforming the state median by over $11,000 four years out. While the $29,280 starting salary looks modest, graduates see robust 30% earnings growth by year four, reaching $38,052. That's the second-highest outcome among Tennessee's community college liberal arts programs, trailing only Austin Peay State.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $13,309, borrowing sits in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of similar programs leave students with more debt), and the 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates can manage payments on less than half their first-year income. While debt is higher than Tennessee's median for this program, the stronger earnings make it a reasonable tradeoff.

For families in the Nashville area, this program offers a legitimate pathway to four-year degree preparation or direct workforce entry without overwhelming debt. The combination of below-average borrowing and above-average earnings growth creates a foundation that many liberal arts programs struggle to deliver.