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

Franklin University's liberal arts degree tells a better-than-average story, with estimated first-year earnings of $40,556—about $4,200 above the national typical outcome for this major and right at the Ohio median. The estimated $27,625 in debt is actually slightly below both national and state figures for similar programs, producing a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary, a reasonable threshold for a bachelor's degree.

The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs across Ohio, not Franklin's specific graduates, so individual outcomes could vary. What we do know is that among Ohio's liberal arts programs with reported data, there's substantial variation—Xavier and Antioch graduates earn around $46,000-$47,000, while Ohio State sits at $43,000. Franklin's estimated position in the middle of this range suggests a solid baseline, though not top-tier earnings potential.

For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: debt that's proportional to income and earnings that exceed national norms for the field. The real question is whether this general degree aligns with a clear career path. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, Franklin serves working adults and non-traditional students who often use this credential as a stepping stone or career pivot—contexts where the flexibility may justify the cost even without premium starting salaries.