Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College's Liberal Arts associate degree program delivers solid value with manageable debt and impressive earnings growth. At $29,069 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the national median ($27,248) and Florida median ($26,978) for this program type, ranking in the 64th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Florida. More importantly, earnings jump 34% by year four to nearly $39,000—substantial growth that suggests graduates successfully leverage their degree as a stepping stone.

The financial picture is particularly attractive. With median debt of just $13,699 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, graduates face much lower debt burdens than typical—this program ranks in the 23rd percentile nationally for debt, meaning 77% of similar programs leave students with more debt. While the program doesn't reach the earnings levels of Saint Leo University ($41,989), it significantly outperforms many Florida competitors while keeping costs reasonable.

For families considering this as an affordable pathway to higher education or career transition, the numbers support it. The combination of below-average debt, above-average starting earnings, and strong income growth creates a favorable risk-return profile. This appears to be exactly what a general studies program should offer: accessible education that opens doors without overwhelming financial burden.