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

Richmond Community College's Liberal Arts program offers one of the strongest debt positions in North Carolina—just $5,500 at graduation puts it in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. Students earn around $27,340 their first year out, which beats both the state median ($26,838) and lands in the 60th percentile among North Carolina's 66 programs. That debt load can realistically be managed on these wages.

The challenge here is stagnation rather than struggle. Earnings barely budge over four years, rising only 2% to $27,998. Compare that to the state's top performers: Randolph Community College graduates from the same program earn $40,145, nearly 50% more. This suggests Richmond's program may connect students to entry-level work but not necessarily to career paths with advancement potential.

For families watching every dollar, this represents a low-risk starting point—the debt won't crush a graduate, and they'll find work. But if career growth matters, look closely at what comes after this degree. Are students transferring to four-year schools? Moving into specific job training? The flat earnings curve suggests this associate's degree may be more of a stepping stone than a destination, and that next step will likely determine whether this investment pays off long-term.