Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College's associate program in Liberal Arts and Sciences outperforms 94% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable position for a two-year general studies degree. That $34,626 first-year salary jumps to $38,629 after four years, putting graduates substantially ahead of both the national median ($27,248) and the Oklahoma state median ($26,814). Among Oklahoma's 23 schools offering this program, OCCC ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only a few outliers like Oklahoma Panhandle State but comfortably ahead of most community college competitors.

The $12,000 median debt represents just 35% of first-year earnings—a manageable burden that graduates can realistically tackle on these salaries. While that debt figure matches the state average, the stronger earnings create a fundamentally different financial picture than at most peer institutions. The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding steady employment rather than hitting dead ends.

For parents worried about their child "wasting" two years on a general associate degree, OCCC's results challenge that assumption. This program delivers real labor market value, likely because it's preparing students for Oklahoma City's administrative, healthcare support, and service economy jobs that value some college credential. It's not going to match what a bachelor's degree earns, but as a quick, affordable path to steady employment, this program punches well above its weight.