Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie

USC-Salkehatchie graduates with this associate's degree earn just $19,438 in their first year—roughly $8,500 less than the state median and nearly $10,000 below the national average for liberal arts associate's programs. While the debt load is relatively modest at $11,588, that's still more than half a year's earnings, and the starting salary is barely above the poverty line for a single person. Even among South Carolina's 31 liberal arts associate's programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar in-state programs produce better outcomes.

The comparison to community colleges across the state is particularly stark. Midlands Technical College graduates in this field earn over $10,000 more annually, and even the fifth-best program in the state (York Technical College) delivers earnings 39% higher. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable.

For families considering this path, the core issue isn't the debt—it's that the earnings trajectory starts so low that paying off even modest loans will be difficult. If a liberal arts associate's degree is the goal, South Carolina offers numerous better options at community colleges that cost less and lead to substantially higher earnings. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal reasons to attend this specific campus, other programs should be seriously explored.