Liberal Arts and Sciences at Catawba Valley Community College
a smaller institution with 3,517 students in Hickory, NC.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $23,951/yr, roughly in line with the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 88.8x 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.
With first-year pay of $23,951 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #225 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Catawba Valley Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The $23,951-to-$41,816 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% 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
Other Majors at Catawba Valley Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.