Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's Liberal Arts program starts at a significant disadvantage—$27,221 first-year earnings puts graduates in just the 14th percentile nationally—but delivers something noteworthy: 46% earnings growth over four years. That trajectory moves grads from well below to slightly above South Carolina's median for this degree. Still, even at $39,621 four years out, these graduates lag the national median by $3,000 annually, and they're starting thousands behind peers at USC-Columbia or USC-Upstate right out of the gate.

The debt picture is concerning given those weak initial earnings. At $27,250, graduates carry exactly one year's salary in loans—a manageable ratio long-term, but potentially difficult when you're earning $27,000 and need to start repayment. South Carolina's in-state tuition advantage isn't helping here; this program's debt matches the state median while delivering below-median starting outcomes.

The math improves considerably by year four, when that debt becomes less than 70% of annual earnings. But your child will spend their early twenties playing catch-up, likely needing family support or side income to manage loan payments on that first-year salary. If this is genuinely the right academic fit and your family can help bridge those early years financially, the growth pattern shows commitment pays off. If there's flexibility on major, look at those USC options where graduates start $6,000+ higher.