Liberal Arts and Sciences at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,324/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 19.9x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 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 and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $565K $565K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.9x 19.9x 19.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 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)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,255
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,781
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,324/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from California State University-Northridge land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 19.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

The median debt load of $14,255 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

California State University-Northridge ranks #67 among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,324-to-$56,781 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Northridge

With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Northridge prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 32,357 in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 State University-Northridge

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at California State University-Northridge?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, California State University-Northridge's #67 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →