Liberal Arts & Humanities at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

with a mid-sized student body of 16,131 in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,366 place South Texas College below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 36.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities graduates.

Ranked #743 of 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, South Texas College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $33,579 show a 65% jump from the $20,366 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

37 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
34
Low End
37
Score
37
High End
Earnings $20,366/yr (-26% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$357K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
36.3x
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)
$9,840
Out-of-state: $15,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,579
65% 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

Liberal Arts & Humanities opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Texas College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South Texas College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace Liberal Arts & Humanities jobs?
Liberal Arts & Humanities rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 0% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from South Texas College?
Lower starting pay at South Texas College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →