Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Fontbonne University
Bachelor's Degree
fontbonne.eduAnalysis
A Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Fontbonne carries an estimated $29,906 in debt—above both the national and Missouri medians for this degree—while peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $37,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 isn't alarming on its own, but it matters that you're paying more than typical for outcomes that mirror the state average rather than exceed it.
The gap between Fontbonne and Missouri's top performers is substantial. Similar programs at William Jewell and Saint Louis University report first-year earnings exceeding $48,000, while Mizzou and UMKC graduates start near $40,000. These aren't isolated outliers—they represent what's actually achievable with this degree in Missouri when the program has stronger market connections or alumni networks. With nearly half of Fontbonne students on Pell grants and a 95% admission rate, the school serves a specific population, but the financial return doesn't compensate for the above-average borrowing.
If your child is drawn to Fontbonne specifically for its small community or support services, understand that you're likely paying a premium for the environment rather than the career outcomes. The estimated debt burden is manageable but not particularly strategic for a generalist degree that typically requires graduate school or significant networking to translate into career traction. Compare financial aid packages carefully against Missouri's public options before committing.
Where Fontbonne University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis | $28,976 | $37,589* | — | $29,906* | — |
 William Jewell CollegeLiberty | $19,890 | $50,663* | $59,142 | $26,831* | 0.53 |
 Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis | $53,244 | $48,829* | — | $54,581* | 1.12 |
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $24,326 | $45,133* | $49,234 | $30,658* | 0.68 |
 University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City | $11,988 | $39,992* | $48,355 | $25,000* | 0.63 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $39,317* | $47,666 | $20,569* | 0.52 |
| National Median | — | $36,340* | — | $27,000* | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fontbonne University, approximately 48% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.