Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Valencia College

Valencia College's Liberal Arts associate degree program delivers solid value despite below-average starting salaries. While first-year earnings of $25,001 trail both the national average ($27,248) and Florida median ($26,978) for similar programs, graduates see impressive 39% income growth by year four, reaching $34,711—a notable achievement that suggests the program builds transferable skills that pay off over time.

The financial picture is reassuring for families concerned about debt. At $9,897, student debt sits below both national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. This means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans without financial strain, especially as their earnings grow. Among Florida's 55 programs in this field, Valencia ranks in the 40th percentile—middle of the pack but with lower debt burdens than many competitors.

The "fast riser" trajectory here is key: while graduates don't start with top-tier salaries, their strong earnings growth suggests this program effectively prepares students for career advancement or successful transfer to four-year institutions. For families seeking an affordable pathway to higher education with reasonable debt levels and good growth potential, Valencia's program offers solid value, particularly for students planning to continue their education or enter fields where associate degrees provide meaningful career entry points.