Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Southeast Community College Area

Southeast Community College's liberal arts associate delivers surprisingly strong returns for a general studies program. At $31,041 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the national median for this degree, and that advantage widens over time—by year four, they're making $38,900, a 25% increase that outpaces typical trajectories for this field. Among Nebraska's 11 schools offering this program, Southeast ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it firmly in the middle of the pack statewide but still ahead of the national curve.

The $11,000 in typical debt is manageable, translating to just 35 cents owed for every dollar earned in that first year. That's a favorable ratio for an associate degree, particularly in liberal arts where earnings can be modest. While Metropolitan Community College graduates edge ahead by about $2,000 annually, Southeast's combination of reasonable debt and above-average earnings creates a workable foundation for students planning to either enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year program.

For Nebraska families considering community college, this program offers a cost-effective entry point with genuine upward earnings momentum. The steady income growth suggests graduates find their footing in the labor market relatively quickly, making this a low-risk option for students still exploring career paths.