Liberal Arts & Humanities at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,056/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #57 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $615K $615K $591K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.9x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,390
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,056/yr, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts & Humanities programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic ten-year scenarios is just 4% — this field's hands-on core resists automation.

The median debt load of $17,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #57 of 424 nationally, this is a top-5% Liberal Arts & Humanities program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $64,390 show a 84% jump from the $35,056 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

A 30% acceptance rate puts California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in competitive admissions territory, with 21,521 students enrolled in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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 & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Liberal Arts & Humanities program stand out?
Ranked #57 of 424 programs nationally, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →