Liberal Arts & Humanities at Southwestern Michigan College

Dowagiac, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

a smaller institution with 1,396 students in Dowagiac, MI.

Program Analysis

Southwestern Michigan College's Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates start at $22,272/yr, trailing the $27,616 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 30.3x 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 exposure is significant at 0% of job tasks, producing a 36% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $7,942 in median debt clears fast against $22,272 in annual earnings.

At #752 out of 830 programs, Southwestern Michigan College's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $22,272 to $33,301 shows 50% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

36 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
34
Low End
36
Score
36
High End
Earnings $22,272/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$365K
10.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
30.3x
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)
$12,052
Out-of-state: $15,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,942
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,301
50% 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 Southwestern Michigan College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southwestern Michigan College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How safe is Liberal Arts & Humanities from automation?
For Southwestern Michigan College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Liberal Arts & Humanities rated "AI-Proof" — 100% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from Southwestern Michigan College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southwestern Michigan 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 →