Liberal Arts and Sciences at College of the Desert
serving 8,900 students in Palm Desert, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $30,417 at College of the Desert come in 10% above the national median of $27,616 for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs.
With a 141.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Liberal Arts and Sciences career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
College of the Desert ranks #33 among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $30,417 to $36,361 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Liberal Arts and Sciences Overview
Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at College of the Desert
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.