Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Carson-Newman University

Based on comparable liberal arts programs across Tennessee, Carson-Newman's degree appears to land in the middle of the state's range—neither a standout nor a red flag. The estimated $37,400 first-year salary sits right at the state median, though several Tennessee schools with reported outcomes show their graduates earning $4,000-$8,000 more annually. The projected $29,000 debt load translates to a monthly payment around $320, which would consume roughly 10% of gross income—manageable but not comfortable given starting salaries in this field.

What matters here is recognizing the broad nature of this degree. General liberal arts programs produce widely varied outcomes depending on what students do with them—some graduates leverage the credential into specific careers or graduate school, while others struggle to translate a generalist degree into clear job prospects. The modest debt burden at least doesn't trap graduates in high-pressure repayment scenarios, giving them flexibility to explore options or pursue additional training. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, Carson-Newman serves many families for whom even mid-range debt requires careful planning.

The bottom line: This looks like a middle-of-the-road investment based on peer programs in Tennessee. If your child has specific career plans that require this degree as a stepping stone, the numbers work. If they're choosing liberal arts as an exploratory path without clear next steps, the estimates suggest they'll face the same challenges most generalist graduates encounter—adequate earnings but limited financial cushion.