Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Potomac State College of West Virginia University

That $14,865 first-year earnings figure—roughly half the national median for this degree—should raise serious concerns, even accounting for the small sample size. Potomac State's general studies associate's degree ranks in just the 10th percentile among West Virginia programs, where even the state median sits at $27,176. Other community colleges in West Virginia are seeing graduates earn two to three times more in that crucial first year after graduation.

The dramatic earnings jump to nearly $30,000 by year four suggests graduates may eventually find their footing, but starting at barely above minimum wage creates real financial stress when you're carrying $12,000 in debt. While that debt level is manageable compared to national averages, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates are borrowing nearly a full year's starting salary. The small sample size here is both a red flag and a reality check—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily skew these numbers.

For West Virginia families, this data suggests exploring other in-state options first. Programs at Mountwest or WVU Parkersburg deliver significantly stronger early earnings without requiring more debt. If Potomac State is the only accessible option geographically, students should plan for lean early years and potentially supplemental income while those post-graduation earnings catch up.