Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Onondaga Community College

At $22,966 right out of the gate, Onondaga's liberal arts associate's starts below both state and national averages—but that's only half the story. Graduates see their earnings jump 42% by year four, reaching $32,579, which actually outpaces the national median for this degree. With manageable debt of just under $11,000, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, meaning graduates can realistically pay this off within their first few years of work.

The real question is whether an associate's in liberal arts makes sense as a terminal degree versus a stepping stone. These numbers suggest Onondaga graduates are finding decent employment opportunities in the Syracuse area after graduation, likely in administrative, sales, or service roles that value the degree but don't require specialized training. Among New York's 74 programs, this one sits right at the median—nothing spectacular, but solidly competitive with other SUNY community colleges.

For families considering this path, the math works if your student plans to transfer to a four-year program or needs to start working immediately while figuring out their next move. The low debt load preserves options, and the strong earnings growth indicates graduates aren't stuck in dead-end jobs. Just recognize that top NY programs in this field—like Maria College or Excelsior—show significantly higher earnings, so geographic mobility and career planning matter more than the degree itself.