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

Scottsdale Community College's Liberal Arts associate's degree graduates see their earnings jump 27% between year one and year four—from $31,759 to $40,404—a trajectory that outperforms most community college programs where earnings typically plateau quickly. The program ranks in the 81st percentile nationally, pulling ahead of three-quarters of similar programs across the country. Within Arizona, it sits right at the median, though Mesa Community College's grads earn notably more at $46,084.

The debt picture is manageable: $11,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates owe about four months' salary. That's roughly average for this field nationally and slightly higher than the Arizona median, but the strong earnings growth helps graduates pay it down. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (14%) suggests this program attracts students with more financial resources, which may contribute to the better-than-average outcomes.

For Arizona families looking at community college options, this program offers solid value with clear upward mobility. The earnings trajectory matters more than the starting salary—graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages. While it's not the top-performing liberal arts program in the state, it delivers reliable outcomes at a reasonable cost.