Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's Liberal Arts program costs significantly less than most alternatives—just $15,500 in median debt compared to $27,000 nationally—making it one of the most affordable options in California. The initial $31,802 salary sits at the state median but below the national average, ranking in the 25th percentile nationally. However, this ranking needs context: California's cost of living makes direct national comparisons misleading, and among California's 80 programs in this field, this one lands at the 60th percentile.

The real story emerges over time. Earnings jump 47% to $46,751 by year four, suggesting graduates develop marketable skills or transition into better roles. With debt at half the first-year salary, most borrowers should manage repayment reasonably well, especially as their income grows. The university serves a large Pell-eligible population (49%), meaning many students graduate with minimal or no debt at all.

For families prioritizing affordability in an expensive state, this represents a sensible path—manageable debt with earnings that gain momentum. The program won't catapult graduates into high-paying careers immediately, but the combination of low borrowing and solid earnings growth creates financial breathing room that many more expensive liberal arts programs can't match.