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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Keyser, WV · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

a smaller institution with 952 students in Keyser, WV.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,865/yr fall 46% below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 25.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.

The 40% 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.

Median debt of $12,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $14,865 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #804 of 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Potomac State College of West Virginia University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $33,585 show a 126% jump from the $14,865 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

32 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
30
Low End
32
Score
32
High End
Earnings $14,865/yr (-46% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$261K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
25.9x
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)
$10,080
Out-of-state: $25,248
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,585
126% growth from Year 1

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%
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof

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.

Read the full Liberal Arts and Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences Overview

View all 830 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences →

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Purdue University-Main Campus ($79,921) Maria College of Albany ($60,857) Oklahoma Panhandle State University ($57,445) Columbia Southern University ($55,667) American Public University System ($52,108) Marion Technical College ($51,927) Henry Ford College ($51,663) Thomas Edison State University ($50,524)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Potomac State College of West Virginia University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace Liberal Arts and Sciences jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Liberal Arts and Sciences work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts and Sciences from Potomac State College of West Virginia University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →