Liberal Arts and Sciences at Pierce College District
a smaller institution with 4,487 students in Lakewood, WA.
Program Analysis
At $24,101/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Pierce College District land near the $27,616 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 45.1x 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.
The median debt load of $10,217 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #616 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Pierce College District in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $24,101-to-$42,890 earnings arc over five years reflects a 78% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
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
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.