Liberal Arts and Sciences at Gordon State College

Barnesville, GA · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

With 87% of applicants admitted, Gordon State College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,605 in Barnesville, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,725 place Gordon State College below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 57.4x 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.

At $15,740 against $22,725/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #480 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Gordon State College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,725-to-$39,973 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $22,725/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.4x
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)
$6,950
Out-of-state: $20,762
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,740
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,973
76% 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 Gordon State College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gordon State College's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How safe is Liberal Arts and Sciences from automation?
Highly resilient. Liberal Arts and Sciences careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why are Liberal Arts and Sciences earnings lower at Gordon State College?
Lower starting pay at Gordon State College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →