Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Normandale Community College

Normandale's liberal arts associate program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $33,809 in their first year, placing them in the 90th percentile compared to similar programs nationwide. That's $6,500 more than the typical liberal arts associate graduate earns, which is a meaningful advantage for a community college credential. The debt load of $12,778 sits right at Minnesota's average for this program, making the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio quite manageable—students need less than five months of gross income to cover their borrowing.

The real story here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income jump 26% to $42,583 by year four, suggesting the program opens doors to career advancement rather than dead-end jobs. However, within Minnesota, this program ranks only in the 60th percentile—schools like Winona State and Inver Hills produce significantly higher earners. Still, Normandale costs substantially less than a four-year university and delivers stronger outcomes than most community college liberal arts programs nationally.

For families seeking an affordable foundation for further education or entry into Minnesota's job market, this program offers solid value. The combination of below-average debt, above-average starting earnings, and strong income growth suggests graduates aren't stuck in minimum-wage work while they figure out their next move.