Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Wor-Wic Community College

Wor-Wic Community College manages something rare in associate-level liberal arts: strong earnings with minimal debt burden. At $30,763 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than 76% of similar programs nationally and significantly outpace Maryland's state median of $26,448. The $6,500 median debt—less than half the state average—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about two and a half months of earnings.

The earnings trajectory stays steady rather than climbing dramatically, with just 3% growth to $31,613 by year four. While programs at Baltimore City or UMD Global Campus show higher earnings potential, those likely serve different student populations with different transfer or workforce goals. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell recipients (41%), Wor-Wic delivers accessible education without trapping students in debt.

For families prioritizing affordability and immediate workforce entry, this program offers solid footing. The combination of above-average earnings and remarkably low debt means graduates have financial flexibility to either continue their education or enter the workforce without significant monthly loan payments hanging over them.