Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,945
11th percentile
25th percentile in California
Median Debt
$23,500
13% below national median

Analysis

The striking 84% earnings jump between years one and four tells an important story about University of La Verne's liberal arts graduates. While first-year earnings of $25,945 lag far behind both the California median ($31,802) and national average ($36,340)—ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide—something clearly clicks for these graduates as they establish their careers. By year four, median earnings reach $47,665, pushing past both state and national benchmarks and demonstrating meaningful career progression.

The $23,500 debt load is relatively manageable, particularly given where graduates end up financially. At less than half the year-four earnings, this debt level sits well below California's median for liberal arts programs. However, parents should understand that initial year presents a squeeze: graduates owe nearly as much as they earn in those early months post-graduation. The question becomes whether your child can weather that challenging first year, possibly requiring family support or supplemental income.

This program works best for students who can afford patience—those with safety nets who can accept lower initial earnings in exchange for solid long-term growth. The near-doubling of income suggests graduates successfully pivot into better opportunities, but families counting on immediate financial independence after graduation may find this trajectory stressful.

Where University of La Verne Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of La Verne graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of La Verne$25,945$47,665+84%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$35,056$55,078+57%
Saint Mary's College of California$56,094$53,489-5%
University of California-Riverside$23,203$53,198+129%
Sonoma State University$39,758$51,305+29%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (80 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of La VerneLa Verne$47,000$25,945$47,665$23,5000.91
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$57,429—$35,4260.62
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga$56,134$56,094$53,489$27,0000.48
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$49,010$46,413$31,5000.64
Antioch University-Los AngelesCulver City—$46,487$44,094$29,8320.64
Antioch University-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara—$46,487$44,094$29,8320.64
National Median—$36,340—$27,0000.74

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of La Verne, approximately 48% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 73 graduates with reported earnings and 165 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.