Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at San Juan College

San Juan College's Liberal Arts associate degree shows troubling first-year numbers—$17,969 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile statewide—but the earnings trajectory tells a more complete story. While graduates start well below New Mexico's median of $22,417 for this program, incomes climb 61% by year four to $28,917, eventually surpassing both state and national benchmarks. Compare this to Central New Mexico Community College ($31,097) or New Mexico State-Dona Ana ($27,868), where graduates appear to start stronger.

The relatively low debt load of $6,402 (half the state median) matters here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, even that difficult first year remains manageable—graduates owe roughly four months' salary rather than facing crushing payments. By year four, the debt becomes nearly trivial relative to income.

The key question is whether your student can weather those first few years. The data suggests many graduates work part-time initially or pursue additional education, then transition into better-paying full-time work. For families who can provide support during that initial period—or students planning to continue their education—the combination of minimal debt and strong growth potential makes sense. If your student needs immediate earning power after graduation, other programs or institutions show stronger outcomes right out of the gate.