Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Southern State Community College

Southern State's liberal arts associate degree graduates earn above the national average but lag behind other Ohio programs—a pattern worth understanding before enrolling. At $29,137 in the first year, graduates out-earn 65% of similar programs nationwide, yet land below the Ohio median of $33,847, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. This gap suggests that while the program provides solid foundational value, Ohio's stronger community colleges and regional universities offer notably better earning outcomes in this field.

The financial picture is manageable: $10,993 in median debt means graduates face monthly payments of roughly $120—reasonable against first-year earnings, though the moderate sample size warrants some caution in projecting individual outcomes. The 16% earnings growth to year four is encouraging and shows the degree opens doors to better-paying work over time, even if starting salaries feel modest.

For Ohio families, this comes down to opportunity cost. If your child can access one of the stronger programs in the state (Marion Tech's graduates earn $51,927, nearly double Southern State's figure), the difference compounds significantly over a career. But if Southern State offers convenience, affordability, or a stepping stone to a bachelor's program, the low debt load and steady earnings trajectory make it a defensible choice—just know you're trading some earning potential for accessibility.