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

At first glance, a Liberal Arts degree from Arkansas State seems like a tough sell—starting at $33,881 puts graduates about $2,500 below the national median. But context matters here: this program actually outperforms 60% of similar programs in Arkansas, where liberal arts graduates typically earn even less. The debt load of $27,000 is precisely average nationally, and the 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face manageable payments relative to their income.

The bigger question is trajectory. Earnings do grow to $36,883 by year four, which brings graduates much closer to the national average and represents solid 9% growth. However, compare this to University of Arkansas at Monticello's liberal arts grads who start at $41,530—that's nearly $8,000 more right out of the gate. Arkansas State serves a meaningful access mission (37% of students receive Pell grants), but families should recognize they're not getting a premium outcome here.

For an in-state student who needs a flexible degree and values the Jonesboro location, this works—the debt is reasonable and the degree opens doors. But if your child is considering liberal arts specifically, check whether the flagship or Monticello campuses are viable options. The earnings gap at graduation is substantial enough to affect early career quality of life.