Liberal Arts & Humanitiesat University of North Carolina Asheville
Graduates earn $22,144/yr in their first year — about 40.0% below the national Liberal Arts & Humanities average. Base-case 10-year earnings $486K; scenarios range from $461K to $486K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of North Carolina Asheville
A degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from UNC Asheville offers a rich educational experience, cultivating critical thinking and communication skills highly valued across many sectors. However, the data reflects a common trend for broad humanities degrees, especially when graduates tend to stay within the local Asheville labor market. The region’s economy, while vibrant and growing, is heavily influenced by tourism, healthcare, and a thriving arts and non-profit scene, which often don't command the highest entry-level salaries for generalist roles compared to more specialized urban markets.
Many graduates find fulfilling careers in education, community development, local government, or creative fields, often requiring additional certifications, internships, or graduate studies to specialize their broad skill set. Your path might involve working with local organizations, contributing to the region's cultural landscape, or leveraging your interdisciplinary background in customer-facing or administrative roles for smaller businesses. To maximize your post-graduation earnings and career trajectory, consider pairing your liberal arts foundation with practical skills acquired through internships, minors in high-demand fields like data analysis or digital marketing, or by actively networking with alumni in your desired industry during your studies.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of North Carolina Asheville's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Liberal Arts & Humanities
How University of North Carolina Asheville stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of North Carolina Asheville
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Carolina Asheville, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Liberal Arts & Humanities offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Liberal Arts & Humanities trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Liberal Arts & Humanities at University of North Carolina Asheville
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at University of North Carolina Asheville?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from University of North Carolina Asheville?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.