Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa Lakes Community College
a smaller institution with 995 students in Estherville, IA.
Program Analysis
Iowa Lakes Community College's Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates start at $31,966/yr — above the $27,616 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 27.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 14%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,000 in median debt clears fast against $31,966 in annual earnings.
At #488 out of 830 programs, Iowa Lakes Community College's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $31,966 to $37,974 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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 Iowa Lakes Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.