Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bellevue University

A bachelor's in liberal arts from Bellevue University carries an estimated $27,000 in debt against first-year earnings that peer programs nationally place around $36,340. That debt burden sits right at the national median for this field, while the earnings align with what similar general studies programs produce. The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—monthly payments would claim roughly 7% of gross income under standard plans—but you're not looking at financial breathing room in year one.

Nebraska's liberal arts programs show significant variation, with the University of Nebraska at Omaha's graduates earning over $40,000 while Kearney's start closer to $29,000. Where Bellevue would fall in that range remains unclear given the estimated figures. What's certain is that general studies degrees serve diverse purposes—some graduates use them as springboards to grad school or career changes, others enter fields where the credential matters more than the major. The value equation shifts dramatically depending on which path your student takes.

The core question here isn't whether the numbers pencil out—they're serviceable if unremarkable—but whether a general studies degree serves your child's specific goals. If they need flexibility or are finishing a degree later in life while working, this could make sense. If they're seeking a clear career path with strong early earnings, more specialized programs would likely deliver better returns.