Liberal Arts and Sciences at California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,989/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #352 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $576K $576K $551K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$105,732
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,025
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,989/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $20,000 against $34,989/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #352 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places California Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,989-to-$59,025 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,374 students in Thousand Oaks, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $105,732 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Lutheran University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Lutheran University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at California Lutheran University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →