Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Troy University

Troy University's general studies associate program achieves something remarkable: it outperforms 95% of similar programs both nationally and in Alabama, with first-year earnings of $37,838 jumping to $46,135 by year four. That's $13,463 above the Alabama median and more than $10,000 above the national benchmark. For an open-access university with a 93% admission rate, these outcomes suggest strong regional employer connections or effective career placement—students aren't just getting a degree, they're getting jobs that pay.

The tradeoff is higher debt: $27,504 versus Alabama's typical $9,886 for this program. That said, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 remains manageable, and the 22% earnings growth means graduates see meaningful income progression. This isn't the cheapest path to a general studies associate degree, but the earnings premium appears to justify the investment. You're essentially paying more upfront for outcomes that triple what most Alabama community colleges deliver in this field.

For families seeking an affordable stepping stone—perhaps planning to transfer to a four-year program—Troy's price tag deserves scrutiny. But if immediate earnings matter, this program delivers returns that dwarf both state and national peers. The value proposition depends on whether your student needs income now or can wait while keeping debt minimal at a lower-cost alternative.