Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Concordia University-Saint Paul

A $27,000 debt load for a bachelor's degree isn't unreasonable on its own, but the estimated first-year earnings of $36,340 create a concerning gap when you consider what other Minnesota schools achieve. Similar liberal arts programs in the state typically produce median earnings around $53,000—nearly $17,000 more than what national peer programs suggest this degree might yield. The University of Minnesota's liberal arts graduates start at $57,000, while even Metropolitan State's grads see $49,000 their first year out. That difference compounds quickly: over five years, it's potentially $85,000 less in cumulative earnings compared to the state median.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable territory, but only if those estimated figures hold true. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here can't afford to discover that actual outcomes fall short. The real risk isn't the debt amount—it's whether this particular program connects students to the higher-earning opportunities that Minnesota's market clearly supports for liberal arts graduates elsewhere in the state.

Before committing, demand clarity on what's driving the gap between these estimates and what Minnesota employers actually pay liberal arts grads. If Concordia-Saint Paul can't demonstrate comparable placement outcomes to other state schools, your child may be better served at an institution with proven track record in this field—or considering a more specialized major that justifies the investment regardless of the school.