Liberal Arts and Sciences at Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, NJ · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

enrolling 6,685 students in Trenton, NJ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,524 put Thomas Edison State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program 83% above the national median of $27,616 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 48.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Liberal Arts and Sciences's career paths, with 0% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $50,524 far exceeding the $15,421 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #50 of 830 programs, Thomas Edison State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $50,524 to $62,351 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $50,524/yr (83% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$647K
5.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
48.8x
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)
$13,276
Out-of-state: $17,196
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,421
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,351
23% 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

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Thomas Edison State University

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Thomas Edison State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
At 57/100, Thomas Edison State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Liberal Arts and Sciences jobs?
Liberal Arts and Sciences 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.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →