Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,868/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #89 of 92 Ethnic & Cultural Minority programs

Program Analysis

While this degree offers a powerful lens for understanding society, the path to a stable, well-paying career isn't direct. LMU is in Los Angeles, a hub for nonprofits, community advocacy, and social work, which are common destinations for graduates. However, these sectors are notoriously underfunded, leading to modest starting salaries that are difficult to live on in such an expensive city. The skills you develop are in critical thinking and analysis, which don't map neatly onto specific corporate roles without additional training. Many of the listed career paths, like academia, require graduate degrees, meaning more time and expense before you start earning. Your actionable step: Actively build a vocational skill alongside your studies. Pursue a minor in marketing, data analysis, or public policy, and secure internships in fields like corporate DEI, public relations, or government affairs to translate your academic knowledge into a marketable professional profile.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $402K $417K $411K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 41% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$235,896
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$182,892
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,105
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings

About Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount University accepts 40% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,171 in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola Marymount University →

Top Career Paths

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290/yr
Interpreters and translators $59,440/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Loyola Marymount University's Ethnic & Cultural Studies program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Ethnic & Cultural Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Ethnic & Cultural Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Ethnic & Cultural Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Ethnic & Cultural Studies earnings lower at Loyola Marymount University?
Lower starting pay at Loyola Marymount University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →