Liberal Arts & Humanities at Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

a smaller institution with 3,517 students in Hickory, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $23,951/yr, roughly in line with the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 88.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities carry above-average AI exposure (0% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $23,951 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #225 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs places Catawba Valley Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $23,951-to-$41,816 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $23,951/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$420K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
88.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,734
Out-of-state: $15,486
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,816
75% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof

Liberal Arts & Humanities Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Liberal Arts & Humanities careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Catawba Valley Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Catawba Valley Community College?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Liberal Arts & Humanities rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 0% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
How affordable is Liberal Arts & Humanities at Catawba Valley Community College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from Catawba Valley Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →