Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Dakota State University

Dakota State graduates earning $41,119 are pulling down 13% more than the typical liberal arts grad nationally and matching the South Dakota median—solid performance for a program often criticized for weak career outcomes. The debt load of $37,250 is higher than both state and national benchmarks, but the 0.91 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need less than a full year's salary to cover their loans, which is manageable territory.

The caveat here matters: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. That said, the program sits in the 73rd percentile nationally while carrying debt in just the 5th percentile—a favorable combination that suggests reasonable borrowing relative to outcomes. South Dakota State's similar program produces slightly higher earnings ($43,563), but not dramatically so.

For parents weighing a liberal arts degree at a school with a 98% admission rate, this presents a better financial picture than you'd find at most competitors. The debt isn't trivial, but the earnings suggest graduates are finding decent entry-level work. Just remember these figures represent a small cohort, and individual outcomes will vary more than usual.