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

Drexel's Liberal Arts program achieves something rare: it outearns 95% of similar programs both nationally and within Pennsylvania—a remarkable feat given that the typical liberal arts graduate in PA earns just $34,190. At $62,470 in first-year earnings, Drexel graduates earn nearly double the state median and $20,000+ more than the next-best Pennsylvania program at Saint Joseph's. This isn't a case of modest advantage; it's a different earnings tier entirely.

The co-op program likely explains much of this premium, connecting humanities graduates to employers who value their skills in communications, research, and analysis. The $27,154 in median debt sits right at the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about five months of gross earnings. Earnings grow steadily to $68,338 by year four, suggesting graduates maintain their competitive positioning as they advance in their careers.

For parents wary of liberal arts degrees, Drexel presents compelling evidence that outcomes depend heavily on institutional structure and employer networks. This program delivers professional-track earnings while preserving the flexibility and critical thinking development that humanities education offers. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the consistency of Drexel's outcomes across years suggests these results are sustainable rather than anomalous.