Liberal Arts and Sciences at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Brainerd, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

a smaller institution with 1,486 students in Brainerd, MN.

Program Analysis

At $26,133/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Central Lakes College-Brainerd land near the $27,616 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 36.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

The median debt load of $9,425 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #599 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Central Lakes College-Brainerd in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,133-to-$45,665 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
41
Score
40
High End
Earnings $26,133/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$459K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
36.9x
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
$12,418
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,425
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,665
75% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences 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

About Liberal Arts and Sciences Careers

Your studies in humanities and sciences can lead to a career shaping minds in higher education. As a community college instructor, your days are focused on the classroom. You’ll craft engaging lectures, lead discussions on foundational texts, and spend afternoons in office hours, helping students one-on-one with their essays and research projects. At a four-year university, your role often expands to include original research, meaning you might spend your mornings teaching a seminar and your afternoons in the library archives, contributing new knowledge to your field by writing articles and books.

Read the full Liberal Arts and Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences Overview

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Liberal Arts and Sciences 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.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →