Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College's Liberal Arts associate's program punches significantly above its weight class nationally, placing graduates in the 95th percentile for earnings—$37,317 in the first year compared to a national median of just $27,248. That's a $10,000 advantage over typical liberal arts associates graduates, and earnings continue climbing to nearly $42,000 by year four. The debt load of $13,830 is manageable, creating a favorable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates should be able to handle comfortably.

The picture shifts when you zoom into Minnesota, where this program lands at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional. Several state schools deliver stronger outcomes, with Winona State and Inver Hills placing graduates $5,000-$9,000 higher. Still, North Hennepin outperforms the Minnesota median by $5,000 and costs slightly more in debt, suggesting it's priced fairly for the value delivered within the state market.

For Minnesota families considering community college routes, this represents a dependable foundation. The combination of strong national standing and mid-pack state performance means your student gets better outcomes than most liberal arts associates programs across the country, even if other Minnesota options might deliver more. Given the low debt burden and steady earnings growth, it's a reasonable investment for students who need flexibility or aren't certain about their path yet.