Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

At just $5,500 in median debt, Phillips Community College delivers one of the lowest debt loads you'll find for this degree—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's real money saved, especially for families where 36% of students qualify for Pell grants. The earnings of around $27,000 land right at the national median for associate's liberal arts programs, though they trail several Arkansas community colleges by $3,000-$9,000 annually.

The concerning pattern here is zero earnings growth between year one and year four, suggesting graduates may be stuck in entry-level positions. This program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Arkansas schools, and that gap widens when you compare it to higher-performing in-state options like Arkansas Tech ($36,292) or even nearby community colleges. The minimal debt makes this a low-risk option, but the stagnant wages mean you're likely looking at sustained sub-$30,000 earnings.

With fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, treat these numbers cautiously—they could shift significantly with more data. For families prioritizing affordability and local access, the rock-bottom debt justifies enrollment. But if your student can commute to NorthWest Arkansas Community College or Arkansas Tech, the $3,000-$9,000 annual earnings premium would quickly offset any marginal cost differences.