Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Rose State College

Rose State College's Liberal Arts associate degree starts slow but shows impressive momentum—earnings jump 42% from $26,364 in year one to $37,295 by year four. That's a much steeper climb than typical for associate degrees, which usually see more modest growth. The manageable $12,000 debt burden (roughly half of first-year earnings) means graduates aren't weighed down while they build their careers.

The program sits near the middle of the pack both nationally and among Oklahoma's 23 schools offering this degree. While that may sound underwhelming, it masks what matters most: the trajectory. Those year-four earnings of $37,295 substantially exceed what peers at most Oklahoma community colleges are making at the same point. Still, it's worth noting that Oklahoma Panhandle State and Oklahoma City Community College produce significantly stronger early outcomes, though those are different institutional environments.

For Oklahoma families, this represents a solid stepping stone—the modest debt and strong earnings growth suggest graduates are either advancing in their jobs or using this degree as a launchpad to further education. The 29% Pell grant rate indicates the school serves working-class students who need exactly this kind of accessible entry point. Just recognize this isn't a quick path to high earnings; it's a foundation that pays off with time and continued effort.