Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College's Liberal Arts program delivers solid value for an associate degree, particularly when compared to other New York schools. While first-year earnings of $26,874 sit slightly below the national average, they're notably higher than the typical New York graduate in this field ($23,613), ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, graduates see strong earning progression—jumping 42% to $38,128 by year four, well above both national and state medians.

The financial picture is compelling with just $8,000 in median debt—significantly lower than both the national ($10,950) and New York ($11,000) averages for this program. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe. The low debt burden is particularly valuable for a general studies degree, which often serves as a stepping stone to further education or various career paths.

For families concerned about college costs and career flexibility, this program offers a practical entry point into higher education without overwhelming debt. The combination of below-average borrowing costs and above-average state performance makes it a sensible choice for students who want to explore academic interests, complete general education requirements affordably, or prepare for transfer to a four-year institution.