Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs

CIP 2401 · Liberal Arts & Humanities · ranked by median earnings four years after completion

1350 institutions report graduate earnings for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs (College Scorecard, 2024-25). Across them the median is $45,306 four years after completion, with a typical debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28× and 56% of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold. Indicatively, 148 of the 1568 programs with both earnings and a benchmark fall below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026); the rest clear it.

National ranking

#	Institution	Earn 4yr	% > threshold	Median debt	Debt/earn	Earnings premium	2 of 3 yrs
1	Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMA · Bachelor's	$147,998 n=270	87% 1yr	$11,935	0.08×	Above +240%	–
2	Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · Grad cert	$119,536 n=29	100% 5yr	$41,000	0.34×	Above +105%	Clears 2/2
3	The University of Texas at AustinTX · Master's	$119,127 n=19	94% 1yr	$73,016	0.61×	Above +82%	–
4	Yale UniversityCT · Bachelor's	$113,788 n=71	78% 1yr	$15,750	0.14×	Above +169%	–
5	Georgetown UniversityDC · Bachelor's	$112,722 n=20	91% 5yr	$29,469	0.26×	Above +212%	Clears 2/2
6	Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaCA · Master's	$108,918 n=19	–	–	–	Above +45%	–
7	Purdue University-Main CampusIN · UG cert	$105,733 n=69	85% 1yr	$17,845	0.17×	Above +182%	–
8	Bentley UniversityMA · Bachelor's	$105,183 n=144	96% 5yr	$26,000	0.25×	Above +142%	Clears 2/2
9	Northwestern UniversityIL · Post-bacc cert	$100,964 n=45	93% 5yr	–	–	Above +47%	Clears 2/2
10	Spring Arbor UniversityMI · Master's	$100,955 n=51	100%	$44,818	0.44×	Above +60%	Below 1/2
11	Columbia University in the City of New YorkNY · Bachelor's	$99,679 n=17	–	$19,392	0.20×	Above +162%	–
12	University of ChicagoIL · Bachelor's	$96,510 n=64	74% 1yr	$14,000	0.14×	Above +156%	–
13	Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA · UG cert	$93,527 n=56	85% 1yr	$12,652	0.14×	Above +148%	–
14	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State BerksPA · UG cert	$93,527 n=56	85% 1yr	$12,652	0.14×	Above +148%	–
15	Pennsylvania State University-World CampusPA · UG cert	$93,527 n=56	85% 1yr	$12,652	0.14×	Above +148%	–
16	Northwestern UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$93,180 n=54	67% 1yr	$15,000	0.16×	Above +147%	–
17	Harvard UniversityMA · Master's	$92,158 n=92	81% 5yr	$25,780	0.28×	Above +22%	Below 1/2
18	Champlain CollegeVT · Bachelor's	$91,533 n=56	80% 1yr	$12,500	0.14×	Above +134%	–
19	Emory UniversityGA · Bachelor's	$90,025 n=21	–	–	–	Above +155%	–
20	Stony Brook UniversityNY · Master's	$89,107 n=86	86% 5yr	$19,633	0.22×	Above +25%	Clears 2/2
21	DePaul UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$86,444 n=317	69%	$37,499	0.43×	Above +129%	Clears 2/2
22	Drexel UniversityPA · Bachelor's	$84,166 n=73	80% 5yr	$24,548	0.29×	Above +123%	Clears 2/2
23	University of HartfordCT · Bachelor's	$80,775 n=19	–	$25,000	0.31×	Above +91%	–
24	Villanova UniversityPA · Master's	$80,419 n=30	97% 1yr	$33,244	0.41×	Above +25%	–
25	American Public University SystemWV · Bachelor's	$79,734 n=28	89% 1yr	–	–	Above +127%	–
26	Texas A&M University-College StationTX · Bachelor's	$79,488 n=22	–	$17,781	0.22×	Above +122%	–
27	Maria College of AlbanyNY · Associate	$79,266 n=63	83% 1yr	$21,359	0.27×	Above +108%	Clears 2/2
28	Life UniversityGA · Bachelor's	$78,151 n=25	–	$11,834	0.15×	Above +121%	–
29	University of Mount UnionOH · Bachelor's	$76,675 n=22	100%	$27,000	0.35×	Above +108%	Clears 2/2
30	Middle Tennessee State UniversityTN · Master's	$76,590 n=45	88% 1yr	$37,889	0.49×	Above +34%	–
31	Union CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$75,345 n=24	79% 5yr	$24,500	0.33×	Above +98%	Clears 2/2
32	St. Francis CollegeNY · Associate	$74,867 n=20	–	$12,000	0.16×	Above +97%	–
33	Adams State UniversityCO · Master's	$74,831 n=23	–	–	–	Above +11%	–
34	DePaul UniversityIL · Master's	$74,702 n=33	100% 1yr	$74,928	1.00×	Above +9%	–
35	Harvard UniversityMA · Associate	$74,154 n=16	69% 1yr	$12,500	0.17×	Above +71%	–
36	Rutgers University-CamdenNJ · Bachelor's	$74,122 n=737	61% 1yr	$21,500	0.29×	Above +86%	Clears 2/2
37	Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ · Bachelor's	$74,122 n=737	61% 1yr	$21,500	0.29×	Above +86%	Clears 2/2
38	Contra Costa CollegeCA · UG cert	$73,885 n=22	–	–	–	Above +92%	–
39	California State University-Dominguez HillsCA · Master's	$73,558 n=20	–	–	–	Below -2%	–
40	University of Massachusetts-AmherstMA · Bachelor's	$73,242 n=70	56%	$22,597	0.31×	Above +68%	Below 1/2
41	The University of Texas at AustinTX · Bachelor's	$73,089 n=65	89% 5yr	$18,625	0.26×	Above +104%	Clears 2/2
42	University of PennsylvaniaPA · Master's	$72,960 n=29	81% 5yr	$56,749	0.78×	Above +14%	Clears 2/2
43	CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNY · Master's	$72,860 n=95	79% 5yr	$21,000	0.29×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
44	William Jewell CollegeMO · Bachelor's	$72,507 n=41	91% 5yr	$25,000	0.34×	Above +103%	Clears 2/2
45	University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC · Bachelor's	$72,422 n=31	63% 1yr	$13,000	0.18×	Above +111%	–
46	Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPA · Bachelor's	$72,048 n=39	88% 5yr	$29,449	0.41×	Above +91%	Clears 2/2
47	Wesleyan UniversityCT · Bachelor's	$71,932 n=500	34%	$15,500	0.21×	Above +70%	Clears 2/2
48	University of North DakotaND · Bachelor's	$71,538 n=131	89% 5yr	$22,378	0.31×	Above +74%	Clears 2/2
49	Molloy UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$71,097 n=25	77% 1yr	$29,337	0.41×	Above +87%	–
50	University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · Bachelor's	$70,788 n=408	80% 1yr	$19,500	0.28×	Above +77%	–
51	Johns Hopkins UniversityMD · Master's	$70,651 n=24	61% 1yr	$37,801	0.54×	Below -7%	–
52	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVA · Grad cert	$70,335 n=99	85% 1yr	$57,501	0.82×	Below -1%	–
53	University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOK · Master's	$70,018 n=202	92% 5yr	$41,000	0.59×	Above +29%	Clears 2/2
54	Xavier UniversityOH · Bachelor's	$69,546 n=93	88% 5yr	$23,250	0.33×	Above +89%	Clears 2/2
55	Southern Methodist UniversityTX · Master's	$69,368 n=30	80% 5yr	$41,000	0.59×	Above +6%	Clears 2/2
56	Howard CollegeTX · UG cert	$68,723 n=27	–	–	–	Above +92%	–
57	Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaCA · Bachelor's	$68,501 n=61	93% 5yr	$27,000	0.39×	Above +78%	Clears 2/2
58	CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$68,471 n=21	–	–	–	Above +80%	Clears 2/2
59	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCA · Bachelor's	$68,171 n=82	91% 5yr	$17,500	0.26×	Above +77%	Clears 2/2
60	Sacred Heart UniversityCT · Bachelor's	$68,092 n=21	76% 5yr	$27,000	0.40×	Above +61%	–
61	University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Bachelor's	$67,859 n=47	77%	$18,765	0.28×	Above +94%	Clears 2/2
62	Texas Christian UniversityTX · Master's	$67,586 n=33	85% 5yr	$42,369	0.63×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
63	Seton Hall UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$67,522 n=232	60%	$23,250	0.34×	Above +69%	Clears 2/2
64	Dartmouth CollegeNH · Master's	$67,367 n=16	–	$63,899	0.95×	Below +0%	–
65	Duke UniversityNC · Master's	$67,332 n=16	85% 5yr	–	–	Above +15%	Clears 2/2
66	Montana State University BillingsMT · Bachelor's	$67,304 n=20	90% 5yr	$18,143	0.27×	Above +95%	Clears 2/2
67	Ave Maria UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$67,139 n=17	–	$23,000	0.34×	Above +99%	–
68	New York UniversityNY · Master's	$66,958 n=58	72%	$81,615	1.22×	Below -6%	Below 2/2
69	Regis CollegeMA · Bachelor's	$66,664 n=59	83% 1yr	$27,000	0.41×	Above +53%	–
70	Southern New Hampshire UniversityNH · Bachelor's	$66,656 n=833	35%	$13,023	0.20×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
71	Antioch UniversityOH · Bachelor's	$66,596 n=97	39%	$25,000	0.38×	Above +81%	Clears 2/2
72	Antioch University-Los AngelesCA · Bachelor's	$66,596 n=97	39%	$25,000	0.38×	Above +73%	Clears 2/2
73	Antioch University-Santa BarbaraCA · Bachelor's	$66,596 n=97	39%	$25,000	0.38×	Above +73%	Clears 2/2
74	Antioch University-SeattleWA · Bachelor's	$66,596 n=97	39%	$25,000	0.38×	Above +56%	Clears 2/2
75	New York UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$66,502 n=375	69%	$21,069	0.32×	Above +75%	Clears 2/2
76	Wayne State UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$66,426 n=79	93% 5yr	$18,028	0.27×	Above +90%	Clears 2/2
77	Empire State UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$66,111 n=37	64% 5yr	$25,597	0.39×	Above +74%	Clears 2/2
78	University of BridgeportCT · Associate	$65,875 n=26	–	$33,500	0.51×	Above +56%	–
79	Fort Hays State UniversityKS · Master's	$65,851 n=165	93% 5yr	$24,600	0.37×	Above +12%	Clears 2/2
80	North Central CollegeIL · Master's	$65,846 n=41	95% 5yr	$26,505	0.40×	Below -4%	Below 2/2
81	Dominican University of CaliforniaCA · Bachelor's	$65,780 n=25	–	$22,205	0.34×	Above +71%	–
82	Pace UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$65,637 n=26	–	$25,000	0.38×	Above +73%	Clears 2/2
83	North Carolina State University at RaleighNC · Bachelor's	$65,594 n=29	–	$19,028	0.29×	Above +91%	–
84	University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOK · Bachelor's	$65,474 n=292	61%	$22,900	0.35×	Above +85%	Clears 2/2
85	University of MemphisTN · Master's	$65,320 n=41	85% 5yr	$41,964	0.64×	Above +15%	Below 1/2
86	University of Missouri-ColumbiaMO · Bachelor's	$65,029 n=134	43%	$20,500	0.32×	Above +82%	Clears 2/2
87	University of St ThomasTX · Master's	$64,943 n=17	–	$41,000	0.63×	Below -1%	–
88	St. Francis CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$64,725 n=20	–	$17,992	0.28×	Above +70%	–
89	Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · UG cert	$64,345 n=113	92%	$19,841	0.31×	Above +72%	Clears 2/2
90	University of IndianapolisIN · Bachelor's	$64,325 n=33	83% 5yr	$26,846	0.42×	Above +72%	Clears 2/2
91	Henry Ford CollegeMI · UG cert	$64,309 n=30	100%	$9,744	0.15×	Above +83%	Clears 2/2
92	Seattle UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$64,098 n=59	88% 5yr	$23,000	0.36×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
93	Thomas Edison State UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$64,011 n=318	53%	$11,662	0.18×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
94	American Public University SystemWV · Associate	$63,895 n=391	45%	$9,500	0.15×	Above +82%	Clears 2/2
95	Rochester Institute of TechnologyNY · Bachelor's	$63,845 n=129	43%	$27,000	0.42×	Above +68%	Clears 2/2
96	Buena Vista UniversityIA · Bachelor's	$63,832 n=16	–	–	–	Above +66%	–
97	University of DallasTX · Master's	$63,807 n=17	–	–	–	Below -3%	–
98	Oakland UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$63,534 n=156	39%	$23,780	0.37×	Above +81%	Clears 2/2
99	Arizona State University Campus ImmersionAZ · Master's	$63,395 n=63	82% 5yr	$53,262	0.84×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
100	Arizona State University Digital ImmersionAZ · Master's	$63,395 n=63	82% 5yr	$53,262	0.84×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
101	Moravian UniversityPA · Bachelor's	$63,342 n=99	73% 1yr	$27,000	0.43×	Above +68%	–
102	Excelsior UniversityNY · Associate	$63,016 n=123	87% 5yr	$5,220	0.08×	Above +66%	–
103	The New SchoolNY · Bachelor's	$62,976 n=87	59%	$24,343	0.39×	Above +66%	Clears 2/2
104	North Park UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$62,972 n=18	–	–	–	Above +67%	–
105	Quincy UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$62,841 n=33	58% 1yr	$20,004	0.32×	Above +67%	Clears 2/2
106	Trinity Washington UniversityDC · Bachelor's	$62,755 n=52	67% 1yr	$30,500	0.49×	Above +74%	–
107	Berkeley City CollegeCA · UG cert	$62,672 n=19	–	–	–	Above +63%	–
108	Mid-America Christian UniversityOK · Associate	$62,432 n=37	70% 5yr	$22,250	0.36×	Above +76%	Clears 2/2
109	University of California-RiversideCA · Bachelor's	$62,211 n=103	43%	$15,625	0.25×	Above +62%	Clears 2/2
110	California State University-Dominguez HillsCA · Bachelor's	$62,164 n=182	33%	$15,000	0.24×	Above +62%	Below 1/2
111	Loyola Marymount UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$62,148 n=25	85% 5yr	$19,250	0.31×	Above +62%	Clears 2/2
112	Providence CollegeRI · Bachelor's	$62,111 n=25	91% 5yr	$27,000	0.43×	Above +48%	Clears 2/2
113	University of the Incarnate WordTX · Bachelor's	$62,084 n=19	72% 5yr	$22,916	0.37×	Above +74%	Clears 2/2
114	The University of Texas at DallasTX · Master's	$62,062 n=19	–	$24,495	0.40×	Below -5%	–
115	Carnegie Mellon UniversityPA · Bachelor's	$62,027 n=20	73% 5yr	$25,515	0.41×	Above +65%	Clears 2/2
116	Columbia Southern UniversityAL · Associate	$62,009 n=91	85% 5yr	$16,266	0.26×	Above +80%	Clears 2/2
117	CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$61,987 n=41	73% 5yr	$11,899	0.19×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
118	Westmont CollegeCA · Bachelor's	$61,939 n=24	–	$19,500	0.32×	Above +61%	–
119	Excelsior UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$61,685 n=706	18%	$7,925	0.13×	Above +62%	Clears 2/2
120	Wingate UniversityNC · Bachelor's	$61,525 n=19	–	$27,000	0.44×	Above +79%	–
121	Vassar CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$61,359 n=208	55% 1yr	$18,650	0.30×	Above +61%	–
122	Tennessee Technological UniversityTN · Master's	$61,301 n=31	91% 1yr	$24,660	0.40×	Above +7%	–
123	University of St ThomasTX · Bachelor's	$61,219 n=49	73% 1yr	$23,326	0.38×	Above +71%	–
124	University of IowaIA · Bachelor's	$61,200 n=204	65%	$21,886	0.36×	Above +59%	Clears 2/2
125	University of Massachusetts GlobalCA · Associate	$61,186 n=26	–	$19,384	0.32×	Above +59%	Clears 2/2
126	George Mason UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$61,100 n=357	43%	$19,500	0.32×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
127	California Lutheran UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$60,806 n=46	83% 5yr	$20,000	0.33×	Above +58%	Clears 2/2
128	Thomas Edison State UniversityNJ · Associate	$60,803 n=33	86% 5yr	$15,421	0.25×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
129	Aurora UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$60,775 n=34	73% 1yr	$23,313	0.38×	Above +61%	–
130	Weber State UniversityUT · Bachelor's	$60,751 n=31	79% 5yr	$21,361	0.35×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
131	Eastern Oregon UniversityOR · Bachelor's	$60,706 n=36	100%	$28,729	0.47×	Above +65%	Clears 2/2
132	Valparaiso UniversityIN · Bachelor's	$60,612 n=16	–	–	–	Above +62%	–
133	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham CampusNJ · Bachelor's	$60,525 n=370	47%	$25,000	0.41×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
134	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusNJ · Bachelor's	$60,525 n=370	47%	$25,000	0.41×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
135	Charter Oak State CollegeCT · Associate	$60,478 n=60	81% 5yr	$18,100	0.30×	Above +43%	Clears 2/2
136	Coppin State UniversityMD · Bachelor's	$60,410 n=24	–	$35,250	0.58×	Above +44%	Clears 2/2
137	University of Notre DameIN · Bachelor's	$60,369 n=36	81% 5yr	$18,800	0.31×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
138	Metropolitan State UniversityMN · Bachelor's	$60,352 n=35	74% 1yr	$16,499	0.27×	Above +51%	Clears 2/2
139	University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWI · Bachelor's	$60,241 n=59	100%	$27,922	0.46×	Above +55%	Clears 2/2
140	Belmont Abbey CollegeNC · Bachelor's	$60,199 n=18	60% 5yr	$28,500	0.47×	Above +75%	Clears 2/2
141	National UniversityCA · Associate	$60,134 n=65	86% 5yr	$10,500	0.17×	Above +56%	Clears 2/2
142	University of ChicagoIL · Master's	$60,106 n=87	89% 5yr	$64,299	1.07×	Below -12%	Below 2/2
143	University of ConnecticutCT · Bachelor's	$60,092 n=104	100%	$19,931	0.33×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
144	University of Connecticut-Avery PointCT · Bachelor's	$60,092 n=104	100%	$19,931	0.33×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
145	University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusCT · Bachelor's	$60,092 n=104	100%	$19,931	0.33×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
146	University of Connecticut-StamfordCT · Bachelor's	$60,092 n=104	100%	$19,931	0.33×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
147	University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusCT · Bachelor's	$60,092 n=104	100%	$19,931	0.33×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
148	South Dakota State UniversitySD · Bachelor's	$60,081 n=54	75% 5yr	$20,162	0.34×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
149	California State University-Long BeachCA · Bachelor's	$60,019 n=222	56%	$15,000	0.25×	Above +56%	Clears 2/2
150	Austin Community College DistrictTX · UG cert	$59,907 n=20	100%	$7,000	0.12×	Above +68%	Clears 2/2
151	California State University-Los AngelesCA · Bachelor's	$59,904 n=139	35%	$14,971	0.25×	Above +56%	Clears 2/2
152	Grinnell CollegeIA · Bachelor's	$59,638 n=126	47% 1yr	$18,050	0.30×	Above +55%	–
153	University of South FloridaFL · Bachelor's	$59,587 n=248	44%	$23,446	0.39×	Above +76%	Clears 2/2
154	Emporia State UniversityKS · Grad cert	$59,455 n=19	100% 5yr	$22,636	0.38×	Above +1%	Below 1/2
155	Sonoma State UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$59,444 n=135	69%	$16,862	0.28×	Above +55%	Clears 2/2
156	Drew UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$59,399 n=32	90% 5yr	$27,000	0.46×	Above +49%	Clears 2/2
157	University of La VerneCA · Associate	$59,398 n=27	–	–	–	Above +54%	–
158	California State University-StanislausCA · Bachelor's	$59,251 n=210	33%	$13,561	0.23×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
159	University of West FloridaFL · Associate	$59,240 n=116	41%	$14,000	0.24×	Above +75%	Clears 2/2
160	University of RedlandsCA · Bachelor's	$59,234 n=37	62%	$27,000	0.46×	Above +54%	Below 1/2
161	Saint Leo UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$59,222 n=33	82% 5yr	$27,456	0.46×	Above +75%	Clears 2/2
162	University of Alaska FairbanksAK · Associate	$59,114 n=36	71% 5yr	$21,000	0.35×	Above +43%	Below 1/2
163	Arizona State University Campus ImmersionAZ · Bachelor's	$59,104 n=484	26%	$23,300	0.39×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
164	Arizona State University Digital ImmersionAZ · Bachelor's	$59,104 n=484	26%	$23,300	0.39×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
165	University of North Carolina at GreensboroNC · Master's	$59,021 n=32	71% 5yr	$25,775	0.44×	Above +0%	Below 1/2
166	California State University-Monterey BayCA · Bachelor's	$59,017 n=279	51%	$13,322	0.23×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
167	University of La VerneCA · Bachelor's	$58,953 n=100	40%	$23,000	0.39×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
168	Baker CollegeMI · Bachelor's	$58,921 n=44	84%	$28,606	0.48×	Above +68%	Clears 2/2
169	Thomas More UniversityKY · Bachelor's	$58,853 n=24	80% 1yr	$19,372	0.33×	Above +70%	–
170	Austin Community College DistrictTX · Associate	$58,802 n=998	19%	$9,000	0.15×	Above +64%	Clears 2/2
171	Morgan State UniversityMD · Bachelor's	$58,788 n=72	64% 1yr	$28,750	0.49×	Above +40%	–
172	University of KansasKS · Bachelor's	$58,777 n=122	30%	$19,282	0.33×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
173	University of Massachusetts GlobalCA · Bachelor's	$58,739 n=103	50%	$24,449	0.42×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
174	Florida State UniversityFL · UG cert	$58,691 n=38	–	$9,500	0.16×	Above +74%	–
175	San Francisco State UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$58,617 n=161	56%	$15,250	0.26×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
176	University of Southern CaliforniaCA · Bachelor's	$58,462 n=46	100%	$3,000	0.05×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
177	University of HoustonTX · Bachelor's	$58,450 n=53	82% 5yr	$18,248	0.31×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
178	Central Arizona CollegeAZ · UG cert	$58,439 n=31	100%	$8,101	0.14×	Above +59%	Clears 2/2
179	California State University-FresnoCA · Bachelor's	$58,436 n=408	46%	$13,414	0.23×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
180	San Diego State UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$58,419 n=211	26%	$12,838	0.22×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
181	SUNY Buffalo State UniversityNY · Master's	$58,389 n=18	–	–	–	Below -18%	–
182	Texas Tech UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$58,375 n=213	54%	$24,231	0.41×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
183	Lewis-Clark State CollegeID · Bachelor's	$58,327 n=35	79% 5yr	$21,500	0.37×	Above +64%	Clears 2/2
184	California State University-San MarcosCA · Bachelor's	$58,289 n=139	50%	$16,226	0.28×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
185	Utah Valley UniversityUT · Bachelor's	$58,219 n=50	62% 1yr	$18,750	0.32×	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
186	Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
187	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State AbingtonPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
188	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State AltoonaPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
189	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State BrandywinePA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
190	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBoisPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
191	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend CollegePA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
192	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State HarrisburgPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
193	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State HazletonPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
194	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont AltoPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
195	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State ScrantonPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
196	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State ShenangoPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
197	Pennsylvania State University-World CampusPA · Bachelor's	$58,195 n=93	91%	$26,500	0.46×	Above +54%	Clears 2/2
198	University of Wisconsin-Green BayWI · Bachelor's	$58,093 n=186	69%	$19,672	0.34×	Above +49%	Clears 2/2
199	CUNY City CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$58,063 n=162	54%	$12,250	0.21×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
200	The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyTX · Bachelor's	$58,060 n=20	100%	$15,396	0.27×	Above +62%	Clears 2/2
201	James Madison UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$58,026 n=278	21%	$21,000	0.36×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
202	California State University-East BayCA · Bachelor's	$57,755 n=92	62%	$14,181	0.25×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
203	Neumann UniversityPA · Bachelor's	$57,721 n=97	88%	$27,754	0.48×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
204	Northern Illinois UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$57,697 n=87	72%	$25,000	0.43×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
205	California State University-BakersfieldCA · Bachelor's	$57,529 n=282	33%	$12,500	0.22×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
206	American International CollegeMA · Bachelor's	$57,510 n=17	–	$27,000	0.47×	Above +32%	–
207	Emory UniversityGA · Associate	$57,474 n=307	48%	$11,170	0.19×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
208	Emory University-Oxford CollegeGA · Associate	$57,474 n=307	48%	$11,170	0.19×	Above +63%	Clears 2/2
209	California State University-FullertonCA · Bachelor's	$57,408 n=143	49%	$12,550	0.22×	Above +49%	Clears 2/2
210	Los Angeles Pacific UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$57,173 n=78	58% 1yr	$8,500	0.15×	Above +49%	–
211	Columbia CollegeMO · Bachelor's	$57,034 n=373	54%	$21,494	0.38×	Above +59%	Clears 2/2
212	Azusa Pacific UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$56,994 n=168	93%	$24,515	0.43×	Above +48%	Clears 2/2
213	University of Maryland Global CampusMD · Associate	$56,881 n=369	100%	$7,912	0.14×	Above +35%	Clears 2/2
214	Ramapo College of New JerseyNJ · Bachelor's	$56,712 n=67	87% 5yr	$25,000	0.44×	Above +42%	Clears 2/2
215	University of BridgeportCT · Bachelor's	$56,700 n=86	100%	$29,249	0.52×	Above +34%	Clears 2/2
216	California State University-SacramentoCA · Bachelor's	$56,637 n=197	66%	$15,000	0.27×	Above +47%	Clears 2/2
217	Mount Saint Mary's UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$56,616 n=16	–	$33,332	0.59×	Above +47%	–
218	Northern Arizona UniversityAZ · Bachelor's	$56,433 n=610	68%	$14,307	0.25×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
219	San Jose City CollegeCA · Associate	$56,307 n=21	67% 5yr	–	–	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
220	Saint Cloud State UniversityMN · Associate	$56,168 n=116	32%	$15,500	0.28×	Above +41%	Clears 2/2
221	Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionIN · Associate	$56,136 n=145	36%	$16,500	0.29×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
222	Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalIN · Associate	$56,136 n=145	36%	$16,500	0.29×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
223	Potomac State College of West Virginia UniversityWV · Bachelor's	$56,132 n=340	45%	$20,180	0.36×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
224	West Virginia UniversityWV · Bachelor's	$56,132 n=340	45%	$20,180	0.36×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
225	West Virginia University Institute of TechnologyWV · Bachelor's	$56,132 n=340	45%	$20,180	0.36×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
226	Oregon State UniversityOR · Bachelor's	$56,074 n=60	100%	$20,211	0.36×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
227	Oregon State University-Cascades CampusOR · Bachelor's	$56,074 n=60	100%	$20,211	0.36×	Above +53%	Clears 2/2
228	California Baptist UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$55,968 n=97	61%	$28,312	0.51×	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
229	University of Nebraska at OmahaNE · Bachelor's	$55,947 n=392	64%	$19,852	0.35×	Above +50%	Clears 2/2
230	Western Illinois UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$55,944 n=245	68%	$25,000	0.45×	Above +48%	Clears 2/2
231	Whitworth UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$55,846 n=56	75% 5yr	$31,771	0.57×	Above +31%	Clears 2/2
232	Whitworth University-Adult Degree ProgramsWA · Bachelor's	$55,846 n=56	75% 5yr	$31,771	0.57×	Above +31%	Clears 2/2
233	Oakwood UniversityAL · Bachelor's	$55,834 n=22	–	$35,472	0.64×	Above +62%	–
234	University of MiamiFL · Bachelor's	$55,625 n=25	81% 1yr	$26,175	0.47×	Above +65%	Clears 2/2
235	Northeastern Illinois UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$55,569 n=139	49%	$12,500	0.23×	Above +47%	Clears 2/2
236	University of North TexasTX · Bachelor's	$55,562 n=874	46%	$18,997	0.34×	Above +55%	Clears 2/2
237	Saginaw Valley State UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$55,558 n=32	94% 5yr	$30,313	0.55×	Above +59%	Clears 2/2
238	Delaware State UniversityDE · Bachelor's	$55,509 n=38	69% 5yr	$23,540	0.42×	Above +44%	Clears 2/2
239	Athens State UniversityAL · Bachelor's	$55,507 n=44	68% 5yr	$20,832	0.38×	Above +61%	Clears 2/2
240	Tulane University of LouisianaLA · Master's	$55,438 n=18	–	–	–	Below -3%	–
241	Washington State UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$55,403 n=107	47%	$20,435	0.37×	Above +30%	Clears 2/2
242	Baker UniversityKS · Bachelor's	$55,380 n=158	81% 5yr	$25,562	0.46×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
243	Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusNM · Bachelor's	$55,379 n=117	73%	$18,000	0.33×	Above +70%	Clears 2/2
244	Endicott CollegeMA · Bachelor's	$55,369 n=47	84% 5yr	$15,250	0.28×	Above +27%	Clears 2/2
245	Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityMD · Bachelor's	$55,294 n=46	100% 5yr	$25,000	0.45×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
246	Worcester State UniversityMA · Bachelor's	$55,273 n=29	90% 1yr	$17,500	0.32×	Above +27%	–
247	New Mexico Military InstituteNM · Associate	$55,247 n=75	60%	$5,500	0.10×	Above +70%	Clears 2/2
248	Bunker Hill Community CollegeMA · UG cert	$55,170 n=94	43%	$5,500	0.10×	Above +27%	Below 1/2
249	California State University-ChicoCA · Bachelor's	$55,008 n=222	44%	$15,688	0.28×	Above +43%	Clears 2/2
250	Napa Valley CollegeCA · UG cert	$54,995 n=27	100%	–	–	Above +43%	Clears 2/2

Showing the top 250 of 1568 institution-programs by median earnings; 1318 lower-earning programs are omitted from the table for length.

% > threshold is ED's own share of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold, taken from the best available measurement window (4-, 5- or 1-year) pooled across all nine College Scorecard Field-of-Study releases; a chip marks any figure not on the 4-year window. Earnings premium compares median earnings four years out to the U.S. Census ACS median for a high-school graduate (undergraduate credentials) or bachelor's-degree holder (graduate credentials) in the institution's state. 2 of 3 yrs flags programs below that benchmark in two of the latest three reported cohort-years, the statutory trigger under the 2025 federal earnings-premium test (effective July 1, 2026). Indicative estimates; the Department of Education's official determination may differ. Figures lag the current year by 2–3 years.

By state, median earnings, 4 yrs out

State	Median earn 4yr	Programs
District of Columbia	$62,755	3
Connecticut	$60,092	18
Pennsylvania	$54,654	66
Alaska	$53,205	3
Indiana	$51,349	31
Delaware	$50,382	4
Wisconsin	$49,418	22
New Hampshire	$49,362	8
North Dakota	$48,885	9
California	$48,428	150
Utah	$48,410	13
Georgia	$48,099	30
South Dakota	$47,872	4
Texas	$47,741	85
Arizona	$47,736	24
Massachusetts	$47,590	38
Ohio	$47,583	79
Minnesota	$47,540	28
Washington	$47,363	39
Maryland	$47,008	25
New Jersey	$46,850	36
Nebraska	$46,703	7
Colorado	$46,119	22
Michigan	$46,110	46
New York	$45,972	78

States with at least 3 reporting Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs, by median graduate earnings.

Frequently asked

Which colleges have the highest-paying Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs?

By median earnings four years after completion, the highest-paying Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs in this dataset are Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($147,998), Indiana University-Bloomington ($119,536), The University of Texas at Austin ($119,127). Earnings reflect College Scorecard field-of-study data (2024-25) and vary by credential level and location.

Are Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs at risk under the federal earnings-premium test?

Indicatively, 148 of the 1568 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs with both earnings and a state/national benchmark have median graduate earnings below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026), under which a program can lose Title IV eligibility if its graduates earn less than a typical worker without the credential for 2 of 3 years. This estimate uses College Scorecard earnings vs U.S. Census ACS medians; the Department of Education's official determination uses its own cohort definition and may differ.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study, 2014–15 through 2022–23 cohorts plus the most-recent snapshot (2024-25); threshold pass-rates pooled across all nine releases. Earnings-premium benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). Compiled by Ibex Insights. See the methodology.