Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Adams State University

Adams State's Liberal Arts program posts first-year earnings nearly $3,200 above the national median for this degree, ranking in the 60th percentile among Colorado programs. The $24,879 debt load sits just below the state median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63—meaning graduates owe roughly 7.5 months of their first-year salary. For a liberal arts degree, these numbers suggest solid value, particularly given that 35% of Adams State students receive Pell grants.

The concern here is what happens after that first paycheck. Earnings essentially flatline over the next four years, growing less than 1% while graduates at top Colorado programs typically see meaningful salary progression. This stagnation means Adams State grads who start near $40,000 will likely still be there years later, limiting their ability to pay down debt quickly or build financial cushion.

For families seeking an affordable liberal arts education in Colorado, Adams State delivers competitive starting outcomes at a reasonable price. Just understand that this program appears to establish an earnings ceiling rather than a launching pad—your child will likely need additional credentials or career pivots to see significant income growth beyond that initial $40,000 benchmark.