Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at SUNY College of Technology at Canton

The immediate concern here is that first-year earnings of $17,143—roughly half the national median—land this program in the 5th percentile nationally. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably, that's an alarmingly low starting point, even for a general studies associate's degree. The debt load of $14,750 isn't catastrophic, but when your graduate is earning just over minimum wage, the 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio feels heavy. Within New York, where similar programs at Hudson Valley Community College or SUNY Westchester see starting earnings near $30,000, Canton's outcomes place it in the bottom quarter statewide.

The 92% earnings jump to $32,847 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing—possibly after transferring to four-year programs or gaining work experience. That later number approaches respectability and puts the degree on better financial ground. Still, those first couple of years look financially precarious, and nearly half of Canton's students receive Pell grants, meaning many families can't easily absorb a rough earnings start.

For a family considering this route, understand you're likely looking at a challenging immediate post-graduation period, even if prospects improve. If your child plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree, factor that timeline into your calculations. If they're going straight to work, the small sample makes it hard to predict whether they'll follow the upward trajectory or get stuck near that concerning first-year figure.