Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Tallahassee State College

Tallahassee State College's liberal arts program starts modestly but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 37% from $25,467 to $34,862 between years one and four. This growth trajectory helps offset initial below-average starting salaries—the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Florida's 55 similar programs and 37th percentile nationally.

The debt picture provides genuine relief for families. At $8,750, graduates carry about $1,500 less debt than both the state median ($9,250) and national average ($10,950). This lower debt burden, combined with the strong earnings growth, creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.34 in the first year that only improves over time. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable.

While this program won't match the $42,000 starting salaries at Saint Leo University, it offers a practical pathway for students seeking affordable general education credentials. The combination of modest debt and solid earnings growth makes this a reasonable choice for families prioritizing financial accessibility over maximum earning potential. Students who leverage this associate degree as a stepping stone to further education or career advancement will likely see the best returns.