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

A $37,600 first-year salary against roughly $30,000 in debt creates a manageable 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio—better than many liberal arts programs nationally. Drawing from peer institutions in Missouri, these estimates suggest Evangel's graduates likely enter the workforce near the state median for this major, which itself sits slightly above the national benchmark. With over a third of students receiving Pell grants, this positioning matters: families without significant financial cushions need programs where debt doesn't become an anchor.

The challenge is competitive context. Liberal arts graduates from William Jewell and Saint Louis University in Missouri are earning $48,000-$51,000 in their first year—roughly 30% more than what similar programs typically produce. That gap translates to about $13,000 annually that could accelerate debt payoff or fund graduate school. Missouri's liberal arts landscape clearly rewards program selection, with outcomes varying by more than $10,000 between schools.

For families weighing this investment, the debt load appears reasonable relative to likely first-year income, but the earnings ceiling based on comparable programs is modest. If your student is considering graduate school—common for liberal arts majors—keeping debt below $30,000 provides important flexibility. Just recognize you're likely paying private-school tuition for public-school salary outcomes, making careful comparison shopping within Missouri essential before committing.