Liberal Arts and Sciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,540/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #250 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

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 $510K $510K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.9x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,996
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,230
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning $34,540/yr — within striking distance of the $37,172 national average for this field.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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.

At $22,996 against $34,540/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #250 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Colorado State University-Fort Collins in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 43% earnings increase from $34,540 to $49,230 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

A 90% acceptance rate means Colorado State University-Fort Collins is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 25,148 students in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →