Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Oakland Community College
Associate's Degree
oaklandcc.eduAnalysis
Oakland Community College's liberal arts program stands out as an exceptional performer in a field often criticized for poor job market outcomes. Graduates earn $37,347 in their first year—dramatically higher than the national median of $27,248 and well above Michigan's typical $28,150. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Michigan, making it the top liberal arts associate's program in the state.
The financial picture is equally impressive. With median debt of just $12,843 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, graduates face manageable loan payments relative to their income. The debt load sits below the 30th percentile nationally, meaning most similar programs burden students with significantly more debt for far lower returns.
However, the earnings trajectory reveals an important caveat: income actually drops to $35,678 by year four, suggesting graduates may benefit from using this degree as a stepping stone to further education or career pivoting rather than viewing it as a terminal credential. Despite this decline, the strong initial earning power and low debt burden make this program a solid choice for students seeking an affordable liberal arts foundation with immediate earning potential in the Detroit metro area.
Where Oakland Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oakland Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Community College | $37,347 | $35,678 | -4% |
| Lake Superior State University | $33,753 | $42,690 | +26% |
| Lake Michigan College | $21,526 | $40,776 | +89% |
| Delta College | $28,721 | $40,724 | +42% |
| Macomb Community College | $29,791 | $39,937 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills | $3,020 | $37,347 | $35,678 | $12,843 | 0.34 |
 Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids | $4,059 | $33,777 | $36,125 | $13,644 | 0.40 |
 Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie | $14,266 | $33,753 | $42,690 | $16,881 | 0.50 |
 Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKalamazoo | $4,046 | $33,055 | $37,470 | $14,665 | 0.44 |
 Kellogg Community CollegeBattle Creek | $3,798 | $32,616 | $31,533 | $15,057 | 0.46 |
 Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit | $3,112 | $30,703 | $32,569 | $17,154 | 0.56 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 Oakland Community College, approximately 27% 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 430 graduates with reported earnings and 703 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.