What does a College of Liberal Arts degree from CSU make possible? According to the 2025 CLA Alumni Career Survey, the answer is clear: meaningful work, adaptable careers, and lasting confidence.
In spring 2025, more than 1,600 alumni responded, representing multiple generations and decades of professional experience. Across majors and career stages, alumni consistently report that they are satisfied with their degree, had a positive experience at CSU, and see real value in the skills they developed through a liberal arts education. These are skills they continue to apply in both their professional and personal lives.
Working Across Industries
CLA alumni work across more than 20 industries, including education, government and public administration, professional services, media and communications, nonprofit leadership, technology, business, and the arts. They serve as K–12 teachers, school administrators, university professors, attorneys, public administrators, journalists, IT and cybersecurity professionals, management consultants, small business owners, nonprofit managers, librarians, social workers, and policy analysts, among many others.
Alumni have worked in 1, 2, or 3 different industries indicating adaptability, resilience, and long-term growth. No single job or industry defines a CLA career.
Leaders in the Workplace
Leadership is a defining outcome. Nearly 30 percent of alumni report that most of their current role involves management or leadership responsibilities. Financial outcomes also strengthen over time, with more than half earning above $80,000 annually and nearly 40 percent exceeding $100,000.
Quotes from Alumni
When asked what they would tell today’s students, alumni emphasized getting involved, pursuing interests, and trusting the long-term value of a liberal arts education. The data affirms a broader truth: higher education rooted in the liberal arts builds lives, careers, and communities that grow and endure.
"While at CSU, I learned how to be a better critical thinker. In my current position there are not a lot of obviously clear problem solving options. The skills I learned at CSU have helped me make better decisions that benefit both my staff and our patients."
"Though my degree is in a very different field from my current job, the communication and teaching skills remain some of the most valuable skills I developed during my time at CSU. Also, the teamwork required for successful music and theater performances also transfer well to other endeavors."
"Law school made me a lawyer, but my bachelor’s degree gave me the basic work and life skills to succeed: writing, research, knowledge of government, statistics, and business."
"Understanding conflict and coming to a resolution was something that was extremely valuable in my philosophy program that has been a great soft skill to have in every job I've had."