Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh's Liberal Arts associate degree starts significantly below the Wisconsin median—graduates earn about $3,500 less than typical Wisconsin peers in their first year and rank in just the 40th percentile statewide. That's meaningful when other Wisconsin programs, including one at UW-Platteville, deliver first-year earnings over $37,000. The modest debt load of $11,909 keeps early-career finances manageable, but you're still paying to underperform compared to nearby alternatives.

The 58% earnings jump from year one to year four tells a more optimistic story. By year four, graduates reach $41,906—well above what most Liberal Arts associate degree holders nationwide earn at that stage. This trajectory suggests the degree functions as a stepping stone, possibly toward bachelor's completion or into career paths where experience matters more than credentials. However, that's a four-year wait to reach competitive earnings.

For a Wisconsin family weighing in-state options, this program represents a conservative financial bet with delayed payoff. The debt won't be crushing, and earnings eventually catch up, but your child will likely spend their early twenties earning less than peers at other Wisconsin public universities. If the plan includes transferring to complete a bachelor's degree, that context matters more than these associate-level numbers. If this is the terminal degree, stronger Wisconsin alternatives exist.