Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Northwest Florida State College

The standout feature here isn't the starting salary—it's what happens after graduation. Northwest Florida State College graduates see their earnings jump 41% from year one to year four, reaching $34,673. That growth trajectory outpaces what you'd typically see from an associate's degree in liberal arts, where earnings often plateau quickly. The low debt load of $6,750 means graduates have breathing room while their careers gain momentum.

The initial $24,605 salary does lag behind Florida's median for this program by about $2,400, placing this in the 40th percentile statewide. However, the exceptionally low debt—among the best 11% nationally for this program—changes the calculation significantly. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27, graduates can pay off their loans in less than four months of gross income. Compare that to programs at Saint Leo ($41,989 earnings but likely much higher debt) or even nearby University of West Florida, and the risk-reward balance looks quite different.

For a family focused on minimizing financial burden while building toward better opportunities, this program delivers. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't flukes. Your child won't start with impressive earnings, but they'll graduate with manageable debt and genuine upward mobility—a practical foundation for either entering the workforce or transferring to complete a bachelor's degree without being buried in loans from the start.