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

Sullivan County Community College's liberal arts program outperforms most similar programs in New York—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—though it starts from a relatively modest baseline. First-year graduates earn about $28,000, which jumps to nearly $36,000 by year four, a 28% increase that suggests these general studies credits are opening doors to better positions or serving as a stepping stone to further education. For context, the typical New York associate's in liberal arts produces earnings of just $23,600, making Sullivan's outcome roughly $4,300 higher and notably above the state median.

The $11,000 debt load aligns exactly with both state and national medians for this program, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. That means graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden, particularly given the upward earnings trajectory. While this program won't match career-focused technical degrees in immediate earning power, it delivers better results than three-quarters of competing liberal arts programs in New York.

For families considering this as an affordable foundation before transfer to a four-year school, or for students still exploring career directions, the combination of controlled debt and above-average state outcomes makes this a solid option. The key is having a plan for what comes after the degree, since the real value emerges in those subsequent years.