Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Concordia University-Irvine

The small sample size here is critical context—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could easily swing dramatically with just a few data points. That said, the first-year earnings of $22,652 are concerning, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally and well below California's median of $31,802. While the 75% jump to $39,600 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing, that recovery still leaves them trailing both state and national benchmarks.

The debt picture offers modest relief: $26,000 is actually below the national median and represents about one year's earnings by year four. However, comparing this to California's typical $17,500 debt load for similar programs shows how the state's public university system offers more affordable pathways. When top California programs are producing graduates earning $46,000-$57,000 within this same field, the value gap becomes harder to ignore.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether Concordia's specific environment justifies these outcomes. The low early earnings might reflect graduates pursuing service-oriented or ministry-related careers rather than a program quality issue, but without more data on career paths, that's speculative. If your child is considering this program, push the admissions office for more detailed outcomes data and alumni career information before committing.