Liberal Arts and Sciences at Del Mar College

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

enrolling 9,038 students in Corpus Christi, TX.

Program Analysis

Del Mar College's Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates start at $22,108/yr, trailing the $27,616 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 56.4x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $5,250 in median debt clears fast against $22,108 in annual earnings.

A #515 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Del Mar College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,108-to-$40,107 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $22,108/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$388K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
56.4x
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)
$6,880
Out-of-state: $12,100
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,250
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,107
81% 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 Del Mar College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Del Mar College's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How safe is Liberal Arts and Sciences from automation?
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.
How affordable is Liberal Arts and Sciences at Del Mar College?
At $5,250 in median debt, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Del Mar College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is Del Mar College a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Del Mar 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 →