Liberal Arts and Sciences at Lower Columbia College
a compact campus enrolling 1,743 students in Longview, WA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $30,845 at Lower Columbia College come in 12% above the national median of $27,616 for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs.
The 46.7x 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.
AI risk is moderate — 0% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.
With first-year pay of $30,845 far exceeding the $7,667 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #333 out of 830 programs, Lower Columbia College's Liberal Arts and Sciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $30,845 to $38,880 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
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 Lower Columbia College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.