Liberal Arts & Humanities at Howard Community College

Columbia, MD · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

with a mid-sized student body of 6,779 in Columbia, MD.

Program Analysis

At $22,042 per year, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from Howard Community College earn below the $27,616 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 47.4x 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.

The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #594 ranking among 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs places Howard Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,042-to-$51,376 earnings arc over five years reflects a 133% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
40
High End
Earnings $22,042/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$387K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.4x
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)
$8,160
Out-of-state: $17,952
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,376
133% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Liberal Arts & Humanities careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Howard Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Howard Community College?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How safe is Liberal Arts & Humanities from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Liberal Arts & Humanities work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Howard Community College's score of 41/100 reflects this durability.
Why are Liberal Arts & Humanities earnings lower at Howard Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Howard Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →