Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound's Liberal Arts associate degree produces graduates earning $35,009 four years out—a solid 25% above the national median for these programs and outpacing most Washington community colleges offering the same degree. That 21% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding pathways to better opportunities, whether through continuing education or career advancement. Among Washington's 38 schools with this program, South Puget Sound lands near the 60th percentile, performing competitively in a crowded field.

The $11,000 in typical debt sits right at the national average, creating a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio in the first year. For context, graduates owe about what they'll earn in five months of work—a reasonable tradeoff for an associate degree that often serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's program or entry into administrative and support roles. The numbers look even better by year four, when the debt represents just over three months of earnings.

For families considering this as an affordable start to higher education, especially before transferring to a four-year school, the economics make sense. The debt load is modest, earnings outpace typical Liberal Arts associate programs nationwide, and the trajectory shows improvement rather than stagnation. If your student plans to continue their education, this provides solid financial positioning for that next step.