Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Pellissippi State Community College

Pellissippi State's associate degree in Liberal Arts sits right at Tennessee's median for debt ($8,750) but outperforms the state median in earnings by about $1,300 at the four-year mark—landing in the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs. That's a meaningful distinction for parents comparing in-state options, though graduates still trail higher-performing community colleges like Nashville State and Southwest Tennessee by roughly $4,500 annually.

The standout here is earnings trajectory. Starting at $26,757, graduates see income climb 26% to reach $33,724 by year four—growth that outpaces typical liberal arts associate programs. The low debt burden means graduates owe just four months of first-year salary, one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in this field. For a program that often serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or entry into the workforce, this combination of manageable debt and improving wages creates a functional foundation.

For Tennessee families, this represents a solid middle-tier option: not the strongest earner in the state, but respectable returns with minimal financial risk. If your student plans to continue education elsewhere, this pathway won't saddle them with debt before they've even started their four-year degree.