Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State's liberal arts program starts slow but accelerates impressively—earnings jump 45% from year one to year four, eventually reaching $47,725. That growth trajectory lifts graduates from a modest first-year showing to respectable mid-career territory. While this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Maryland's liberal arts offerings initially, that earnings progression suggests graduates are finding their footing relatively quickly.

The $28,750 debt load is nearly identical to both state and national medians for this program, and with a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87, it's manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees. The real story here is patience: graduates who judge this program based on that $32,889 starting salary miss the fuller picture. By year four, they're earning more than the state median and closing in on higher-ranked programs like Salisbury.

For families comfortable with a slower burn, this is a solid liberal arts option—particularly for Maryland residents paying in-state tuition. The 89% admission rate makes it accessible, and the earnings growth shows graduates do develop marketable skills. Just understand that immediate post-graduation earnings will lag behind both state and national averages before catching up.