Liberal Arts & Humanities at Hartnell College

Salinas, CA · Public · Certificate · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

with a mid-sized student body of 7,153 in Salinas, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,671 place Hartnell College below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 245.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities carry above-average AI exposure (0% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Hartnell College ranks #124 among 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $19,671-to-$42,771 earnings arc over five years reflects a 117% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $19,671/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$345K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
245.9x
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)
$1,404
Out-of-state: $8,994
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,771
117% 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

Explore what Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 830 programs nationwide.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hartnell 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 Hartnell College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Liberal Arts & Humanities field.
How AI-proof is a career in Liberal Arts & Humanities?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Liberal Arts & Humanities work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Hartnell College's score of 52/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Hartnell College rank so high for Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Among 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, Hartnell College's #124 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Why are Liberal Arts & Humanities earnings lower at Hartnell College?
Lower starting pay at Hartnell 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 →