Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Williston State College

Williston State College's Liberal Arts associate degree significantly outperforms the typical program in this field, with first-year earnings of $31,871 placing it in the 81st percentile nationally—well above the national median of $27,248. The $8,250 in median debt is notably lower than both the national ($10,950) and state ($11,500) medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26. That means graduates owe roughly three months of their first year's salary, which is quite manageable. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within North Dakota (trailing Bismarck State's $33,358 and North Dakota State College of Science's $31,521), it still beats the state median.

The 22% earnings growth to $38,714 by year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in the workforce rather than stalling out. This trajectory is particularly promising for an associate degree in a field often criticized for weak earning potential. The relatively small debt burden gives graduates flexibility to pursue additional education or enter the workforce without financial strain.

For families worried about the return on a liberal arts degree, this program offers a practical answer: competitive earnings, low debt, and room for growth. It won't match specialized technical programs, but it delivers solid value without the financial risk that often accompanies humanities education.