Liberal Arts & Humanities at Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

enrolling 16,117 students in Costa Mesa, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,128/yr, roughly in line with the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 175.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities carry above-average AI exposure (0% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Orange Coast College ranks #91 among 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $24,128-to-$44,010 earnings arc over five years reflects a 82% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
54
Score
54
High End
Earnings $24,128/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$423K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
175.3x
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)
$2,416
Out-of-state: $19,984
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,010
82% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities 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

Liberal Arts & Humanities Career Guide

What can you do with a Liberal Arts & Humanities credential from Orange Coast College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Orange Coast College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Orange Coast College?
At 54/100, Orange Coast College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is Liberal Arts & Humanities from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Liberal Arts & Humanities work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Orange Coast College's score of 54/100 reflects this durability.
Is Orange Coast College one of the best schools for Liberal Arts & Humanities?
The #91 ranking out of 830 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →