Liberal Arts and Sciences at Merced College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,677 in Merced, CA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $27,413/yr, roughly in line with the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 315.9x 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.
AI risk is moderate — 0% task exposure — and the 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.
Ranked #35 out of 830 programs, Merced College's Liberal Arts and Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $27,413 to $35,817 shows 31% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
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 Merced College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.