Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Salt Lake Community College
Associate's Degree
slcc.eduAnalysis
Salt Lake Community College's liberal arts program dramatically outperforms expectations, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings—a remarkable achievement for an associate degree program typically seen as a stepping stone rather than a career launcher. Graduates earn $35,804 in their first year, significantly above both the national median of $27,248 and Utah's median of $28,089. Among Utah's eight liberal arts programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only Weber State among the comparison schools.
The financial picture is equally compelling. With just $8,000 in median debt, students face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22—meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross earnings. While the debt load sits in the 79th percentile nationally (meaning it's higher than many programs), the strong earnings more than compensate. The 22% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates successfully leverage their degree for career advancement.
This program offers exceptional value for students seeking an affordable pathway to solid middle-class earnings. The combination of strong immediate job market outcomes, manageable debt, and meaningful earnings growth makes this one of Utah's standout community college programs.
Where Salt Lake Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salt Lake Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | $35,804 | $43,485 | +21% |
| Weber State University | $34,165 | $47,347 | +39% |
| Southern Utah University | $24,258 | $37,796 | +56% |
| Utah Valley University | $28,089 | $37,530 | +34% |
| Utah State University | $28,782 | $36,363 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Utah (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City | $4,257 | $35,804 | $43,485 | $8,000 | 0.22 |
 Weber State UniversityOgden | $6,391 | $34,165 | $47,347 | $13,054 | 0.38 |
 Utah State UniversityLogan | $9,228 | $28,782 | $36,363 | $11,000 | 0.38 |
 Utah Valley UniversityOrem | $6,270 | $28,089 | $37,530 | $10,000 | 0.36 |
 Utah Tech UniversitySaint George | $6,074 | $26,493 | $31,432 | $8,434 | 0.32 |
 Southern Utah UniversityCedar City | $6,770 | $24,258 | $37,796 | $9,000 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Salt Lake Community College, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 409 graduates with reported earnings and 569 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.