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

Tulsa Community College's Liberal Arts associate degree outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, but the financial picture requires careful scrutiny. At $30,847 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the national median ($27,248) and the Oklahoma median ($26,814), placing them solidly in the 60th percentile statewide. However, the $13,837 debt load sits higher than both state and national medians, and earnings show no growth over four years—actually dipping slightly to $30,677.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means students borrow roughly half their first year's salary, manageable by most standards but steeper than many community college programs achieve. More concerning is the flat earnings trajectory, suggesting limited advancement potential without further education. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Community College produces graduates earning $3,800 more annually with comparable debt loads—a gap worth $15,000 over four years.

This works as an affordable stepping stone if your child plans to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree. As a terminal credential, though, the modest earnings plateau and premium debt make it hard to justify over lower-cost alternatives in the state. If staying at a community college level, Oklahoma City Community College delivers better returns for similar investment.