Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

State College of Florida's Liberal Arts associate's degree starts at a challenging $25,597—below both state and national medians—but the story improves considerably over time. By year four, graduates reach $37,861, representing 48% earnings growth that outpaces typical trajectories for this credential. That strong progression suggests graduates are successfully using this degree as a stepping stone, either to bachelor's programs or to careers where advancement is possible. The manageable $7,500 debt load keeps this affordable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29 that graduates can realistically handle even in that difficult first year.

However, even with that impressive growth trajectory, this program ranks around the 40th percentile among Florida's 55 liberal arts programs. Top performers like Saint Leo and University of West Florida see graduates earning $10,000-16,000 more, raising questions about whether this particular program provides adequate career preparation or transfer support. The serving of a substantial Pell-eligible population (36%) is commendable, but outcomes matter for those students who can least afford weak returns.

The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet if your child plans to transfer to a four-year institution or has a clear career path in mind. But the below-average starting point means they'll need that plan—this isn't a degree that opens doors on its own immediately after graduation.