Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The Master's University and Seminary

These numbers come with a major asterisk—the sample size is under 30 graduates—but they reveal a worrying pattern for a California liberal arts program. That first-year earning figure of $18,621 places Master's University in the bottom 10% of all liberal arts programs statewide, where the typical graduate earns $31,802. Even after strong growth to $43,455 by year four, graduates still trail both state and national benchmarks. The relatively modest debt load of $14,750 offers some cushion, but it doesn't offset starting at barely above minimum wage earnings.

The trajectory tells two stories. On one hand, earnings more than double over four years, suggesting graduates eventually find better opportunities. On the other hand, that initial year appears to be spent in jobs that don't require a degree at all—a tough position when you're carrying any debt. The low Pell grant percentage (19%) hints this may attract students from families who can weather that rocky start, but that's cold comfort for those who can't.

For families considering this program, understand you're likely looking at a year or more of minimal earnings post-graduation. If your student has financial support during that transition period and a clear plan for career development, the eventual earnings become more reasonable. But if they need immediate income to service debt or support themselves, this program's early employment outcomes should give you serious pause about its return on investment.