Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Parkland College

Parkland College's liberal arts associate degree produces graduates earning slightly below both state and national medians—landing in the 40th percentile among Illinois programs—while carrying less debt than most competitors. Starting earnings of $26,912 trail the Illinois median by about $650, though the debt load of $9,250 is notably lower than the state median of $7,761 makes the comparison more complex. The 17% earnings growth to $31,486 by year four suggests reasonable career progression, but graduates should be aware they're starting behind peers at Prairie State College or Lincoln Land, who earn $8,000+ more right out of the gate.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates can expect to repay about four months of annual income, which is manageable for an associate degree. However, the real question is whether this program provides enough career momentum. With below-median performance in Illinois and first-year earnings barely above $27,000, students might need additional training or transfer to a bachelor's program to reach middle-class income levels.

For families prioritizing immediate workforce entry, this program's value depends heavily on keeping costs low and having a clear plan for what comes next. If your student is using this as an affordable stepping stone to transfer or gain specific skills, the manageable debt works in your favor. But if they're expecting strong standalone earnings potential, the below-average Illinois performance suggests looking at the higher-performing community colleges in the state.