Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Skagit Valley College

Skagit Valley College's liberal arts associate degree outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally, with graduates earning $30,437 in their first year—about $3,200 above the national median for this degree. Within Washington state, it lands at the 60th percentile, trailing the top community college performers like Spokane and Highline but still beating the state median by roughly $2,400. The low debt load of $8,788 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than four months of pre-tax income.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, reaching $32,544 by year four—a 7% increase that suggests graduates are gaining traction in the job market rather than stalling out. For a general studies degree, which often serves as a stepping stone to further education or helps students explore career options while building foundational skills, this represents solid positioning. The relatively affordable debt burden makes it a lower-risk pathway compared to similar programs that saddle students with higher loans for comparable or worse outcomes.

For families weighing this option, the numbers support it as a practical choice: below-average debt with above-average earnings for the degree type. Just recognize that this is an exploratory credential—the real return will depend on whether your student transfers to a four-year program or leverages it into stable employment in Washington's economy.