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

A Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Bethel lands squarely in the middle of Tennessee's range for this degree, with peer programs suggesting first-year earnings around $37,400 against an estimated $29,000 in debt. That 0.77 debt ratio sits just below the national median debt of $27,000, making this financially comparable to similar programs across the state—though notably behind stronger performers like Lee University ($45,700) and MTSU ($45,100).

The challenge with general studies degrees is their breadth can translate to uncertainty in the job market. Without a specialized credential, these estimated earnings fall just above the national median of $36,300 but don't provide much cushion for loan repayment. The estimated monthly payment on $29,000 in federal loans would claim a significant portion of a $37,400 salary, leaving less flexibility than parents typically hope for at graduation.

For families considering Bethel, the key question is what your student plans to do with this degree. If it's a stepping stone to graduate school or a specific career path where the liberal arts foundation matters, the debt level is manageable. But if the degree itself is meant to launch a career, your student should expect to compete with graduates from programs showing stronger early earnings—and understand that the estimated figures here represent typical outcomes across Tennessee, not Bethel's specific track record.