Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Tacoma Community College

Tacoma Community College's Liberal Arts associate degree starts slow but shows remarkable momentum, with earnings jumping 45% from $25,892 to $37,488 over four years. That growth trajectory outpaces what you'll see at most community colleges, suggesting graduates are successfully leveraging the degree as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

The program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—40th percentile both nationally and within Washington—with first-year earnings trailing the state median by about $2,000. Debt of $12,000 is manageable at less than half of first-year income, though it's slightly above Washington's typical $9,500 for similar programs. The real story emerges by year four, when graduates reach nearly $38,000, positioning them competitively against many peers who started stronger.

For families viewing this as a transfer pathway to a four-year degree or a foundation for career advancement, the numbers work. The modest debt load won't handcuff your child, and the earnings acceleration suggests they're gaining traction in the job market. Just recognize this isn't the strongest community college option in Washington—schools like Highline and Everett deliver better outcomes—but it's a reasonable choice if location or program fit matters.