Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at SUNY Broome Community College

SUNY Broome's liberal arts associate degree starts slow but tells a recovery story worth understanding. At $23,351 in the first year, graduates earn below both national and state medians for this program—but by year four, earnings jump 44% to nearly $34,000. That's substantial growth for a community college credential, suggesting graduates either advance within organizations or leverage the degree as a stepping stone to better opportunities.

The $12,000 in median debt is manageable, particularly given that strong earnings trajectory. Within New York, this program sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, performing as expected rather than standing out. Yes, top programs like Maria College and Excelsior show what's possible at the high end, but those are specialized cases. For a broad liberal arts program at a community college serving a 36% Pell-eligible population, SUNY Broome delivers reasonable results without overloading students with debt.

The key question is what comes next. This degree appears most valuable as a foundation—whether for transfer to a four-year program or as a base for career advancement. Parents should understand that the first year's modest salary is likely just the beginning, not the ceiling. The debt load won't be crushing while graduates figure out their next move, and that 44% earnings growth suggests many do find their footing.