Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southwestern Community College
a smaller institution with 1,304 students in Sylva, NC.
Program Analysis
Southwestern Community College's Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning $25,973/yr — within striking distance of the $27,616 national average for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 39.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 0% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $7,845 in median debt clears fast against $25,973 in annual earnings.
Ranked #608 of 830 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Southwestern Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $42,457 show a 63% jump from the $25,973 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
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 Southwestern Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.