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

Recent graduates from this associate's program earn just $18,517 in their first year—about $7,400 below the state median for similar programs and nearly $9,000 below the national figure. Even among South Carolina's liberal arts associate programs, which tend to lag national earnings, this ranks in just the 25th percentile. The state's technical colleges consistently produce graduates earning 50-60% more with the same two-year degree.

The modest debt load of $10,500 provides little comfort when earnings are this low. That represents more than half a year's income, making repayment challenging even with relatively affordable borrowing. At less than minimum wage for full-time work, these first-year earnings suggest graduates are either underemployed or working part-time—a troubling outcome regardless of whether students plan to transfer or enter the workforce.

For families considering this program as a stepping stone to a four-year degree, the transfer pathway matters more than these early earnings. But if your child needs to work while completing their bachelor's or might stop at the associate's level, the earning disadvantage compared to nearby community colleges is significant. Midlands Technical College graduates with the same credential earn $11,000 more annually—a difference that compounds over time and affects both loan repayment and savings for future education.