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

Washtenaw Community College's general studies associate's degree lands right in the middle nationally but trails most Michigan peers—ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. Graduates earn $27,643 their first year, about $500 below the state median and roughly $10,000 less than peers at Oakland or Grand Rapids community colleges. The good news: earnings climb to over $31,000 by year four, showing 12% growth, and the debt burden stays manageable at $11,511.

The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a two-year degree. However, parents should recognize that general studies programs at this level typically serve as transfer pathways rather than direct career preparation. Those modest earnings reflect the reality that most associate's degree holders in liberal arts fields need additional credentials to access higher-paying roles.

For students planning to transfer to a four-year program, Washtenaw's location in Ann Arbor and relatively low debt make it a sensible stepping stone. For those treating this as a terminal degree, the earnings lag behind other Michigan community colleges suggests exploring whether nearby alternatives might offer better returns—or whether switching to a more career-focused associate's program would better serve immediate employment goals.