Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at South Georgia State College

South Georgia State College's associate degree in Liberal Arts starts below the national median but shows something more valuable than a high starting salary: consistent upward momentum. While graduates earn $25,002 in their first year—about $2,000 below the national average—they see 31% earnings growth by year four, reaching $32,655. That trajectory outpaces both the national median and most competing Georgia programs.

The $11,500 in typical debt sits right at the national average and notably lower than Georgia's median of $13,750 for this degree. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, graduates face manageable repayment even in that modest first year. More than half the students here receive Pell grants, meaning this program serves students who need an affordable path to credential completion—and delivers one.

The real story is how South Georgia State stacks up locally. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Georgia's 39 programs offering this degree, it outperforms most in-state options despite serving a predominantly rural, lower-income student base. For families in South Georgia looking at community college options, this represents solid value: reasonable debt, earnings that grow steadily, and outcomes that beat the state median. It won't match Georgia State's numbers, but for students starting here—perhaps planning to transfer later—it's a financially sensible foundation.