Liberal Arts and Sciences at Howard College
a compact campus enrolling 1,588 students in Big Spring, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,240 put Howard College's Liberal Arts and Sciences program 31% above the national median of $27,616 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 77.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 11%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
With first-year pay of $36,240 far exceeding the $7,700 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #54 ranking out of 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally puts Howard College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $36,240 to $41,694 over five years (15% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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 Howard College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.