Liberal Arts and Sciences at National University
serving 9,725 students in San Diego, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $41,545 put National University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program 50% above the national median of $27,616 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 26.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.
The 38% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 0% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.
With first-year pay of $41,545 far exceeding the $10,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #246 of 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, National University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $63,201 show a 52% jump from the $41,545 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
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
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.