Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis Community College's liberal arts associate degree starts below average but shows impressive earning potential over time. While first-year graduates earn $25,841—below both national and Missouri medians—earnings jump 38% by year four to $35,664, outpacing most peers in long-term growth.

The program's greatest strength is its affordability. At $8,000 in median debt, students graduate with significantly less burden than the national average of $10,950, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. Among Missouri's 27 similar programs, this ranks solidly in the middle for both earnings and debt levels, though it trails top performers like Columbia College by a substantial margin.

This program works best for students prioritizing affordability and transfer preparation over immediate earning power. The low debt load gives graduates flexibility to continue their education or enter the workforce without financial stress, while the strong earnings trajectory suggests the degree provides valuable foundational skills that employers recognize over time. For families concerned about college costs, this represents a sensible stepping stone that won't saddle students with excessive debt.