Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

This small community college program outperforms most liberal arts associate's degrees nationally, with graduates earning $33,409 their first year—well above the national median of $27,248 and landing in the 88th percentile. The $11,610 in typical debt is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross earnings. However, the small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly year to year.

Within West Virginia, the picture is more nuanced. While WVU Parkersburg performs solidly at the 60th percentile statewide, other institutions like American Public University System and Mountwest Community and Technical College report substantially higher earnings for similar degrees. That gap suggests either different student pathways (some programs may lead more directly to specific careers) or varying employment outcomes based on local job markets. The positive sign: earnings grow 15% by year four to $38,502, showing graduates aren't hitting an immediate ceiling.

For families considering this program, the low debt load makes it a relatively safe investment compared to many associate's degrees. Just understand you're preparing for a broad range of entry-level positions rather than a specific career track, and local employment opportunities in Parkersburg will matter considerably to your outcomes.