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

Owens Community College graduates with this associate degree earn significantly more than most Liberal Arts programs nationwide—landing in the 90th percentile at $33,847 first-year—but that comes with a concerning tradeoff. At $21,024, the debt here is nearly double Ohio's state median for this program ($17,500) and roughly twice the national median. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing more than half a year's salary for modest initial earnings that barely keep pace with Ohio's median for this field.

The earnings trajectory raises questions about long-term value. Four years out, graduates see only a 4% bump to $35,154—essentially flat growth that suggests limited career advancement with just this credential. While ranking in the 60th percentile statewide sounds respectable, it's actually right at Ohio's median, and far below what other community college liberal arts programs deliver. Marion Technical College graduates, for instance, earn $51,927 with the same degree.

For parents weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: you're paying premium debt for middle-of-the-road Ohio outcomes in a field where earnings typically stagnate without further education. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, that debt becomes part of a larger picture. But as a standalone credential, the combination of above-average borrowing and limited earning power makes this a questionable value, especially when other Ohio community colleges deliver stronger results at lower cost.