Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Ohio State University-Lima Campus

Ohio State Lima's liberal arts associate degree outperforms 81% of similar programs nationally, yet ranks below the middle of the pack against Ohio programs. That state-level gap tells an important story: graduates earn $31,870 in their first year—well above the national median of $27,248 but nearly $2,000 below Ohio's median of $33,847. Several Ohio University regional campuses and Marion Technical College push starting earnings above $36,000, setting a higher bar in-state. The $14,000 debt load sits between national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44.

The 28% earnings jump to $40,922 by year four suggests this degree serves as a solid foundation, whether graduates transfer to complete a bachelor's or enter the workforce directly. For an associate degree in a broad field like liberal arts, that trajectory matters more than the starting point. The combination of below-average debt and reliable earnings growth makes this a reasonable stepping stone, particularly for students who need to stay local or prefer Ohio State's name recognition.

If your child plans to transfer and finish a four-year degree, this program works fine as an affordable start. If they're stopping at the associate level, know that other Ohio programs deliver stronger immediate earning power, though few match Ohio State Lima's balance of national prestige and contained costs.