Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,510
52nd percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$9,500
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
465
Adequate data

Analysis

Nassau Community College's liberal arts program stands out for delivering earnings that significantly outpace both New York and national medians. While most liberal arts associate programs in New York generate median earnings of just $23,613, Nassau graduates earn $35,685 four years out—a 51% premium that places this program in the 60th percentile statewide.

The financial fundamentals work well here. At $9,500 in median debt, students graduate with less burden than the typical New York liberal arts program ($11,000) while earning substantially more. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates can reasonably manage their payments, and the robust 30% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests strong career progression potential.

For a community college associate degree, these outcomes are particularly impressive. Nassau delivers comparable value to much more expensive four-year liberal arts programs while keeping debt manageable. Parents should feel confident this program provides solid economic foundation—significantly outperforming state peers while maintaining affordability that makes the investment worthwhile.

Where Nassau Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally

Nassau Community CollegeOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Nassau Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Nassau Community College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Nassau Community College$27,510$35,685$9,5000.35
Maria College of Albany$60,857$38,220——
Excelsior University$50,464—$9,1960.18
Touro University$30,786$37,814$10,5000.34
SUNY Westchester Community College$30,417—$8,7640.29
Hudson Valley Community College$28,464$34,341$10,0460.35
National Median$27,248—$10,9500.40

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Maria College of Albany
Albany
$17,680$60,857—
Excelsior University
Albany
—$50,464$9,196
Touro University
New York
$21,810$30,786$10,500
SUNY Westchester Community College
Valhalla
$5,696$30,417$8,764
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy
$6,694$28,464$10,046

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Nassau Community College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 465 graduates with reported earnings and 642 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.