Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Technical College of the Lowcountry

With just 30 graduates tracked, Technical College of the Lowcountry's Liberal Arts associate's program offers limited data—but what's there is surprisingly encouraging. At $28,441 first-year and $32,847 four years out, graduates earn above both the South Carolina median ($25,893) and the national benchmark ($27,248), landing in the 60th percentile statewide. The $9,500 median debt is notably lower than what students carry at most SC schools offering this program (state median: $11,588), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33.

The 16% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions, and the relatively low debt load means student loan payments shouldn't consume their paychecks. For context, this program outperforms established community colleges like Horry-Georgetown and York Technical in earnings outcomes while keeping debt considerably lower. That combination matters for students using this degree as a stepping stone—whether toward a bachelor's degree or immediate workforce entry.

The small sample size means one or two outliers could shift these numbers significantly in either direction. But if your child is looking at an affordable associate's degree in South Carolina with reasonable earning potential, this program's combination of below-average debt and above-average outcomes makes it worth considering, especially compared to pricier options that don't deliver better results.