Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Florida Memorial University

In Florida, liberal arts bachelor's programs produce widely different outcomes—from $50,000+ at University of Miami to the mid-$30,000s at most schools. Based on comparable programs across the state, Florida Memorial's estimated first-year earnings of $35,361 land right at the state median, while the projected $30,624 in debt runs about $5,000 higher than typical for similar Florida programs. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 isn't alarming on its face, but it means nearly a full year's salary would go toward paying off loans—a heavier lift than at peer institutions.

The challenge here is straightforward: with two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, many families are already managing tight budgets, and taking on above-average debt for median-level earnings creates real financial pressure after graduation. Liberal arts degrees require strategic career planning regardless of where you earn them, but starting with extra debt means less room for exploratory first jobs or unpaid internships that often lead to better opportunities.

If your student is set on this major at Florida Memorial, understand that you're looking at a fairly typical Florida liberal arts outcome in terms of earnings, but with a steeper debt load than the state norm. That gap matters when monthly loan payments start. Given the limited actual data here, talking directly with the school's career services about recent graduate placements would help clarify whether this particular program connects students to opportunities that justify the investment.