Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at George Washington University

A $27,000 debt burden against first-year earnings around $36,300 creates an uncomfortable gap for a general liberal arts degree, particularly at a prestigious institution like George Washington University. These figures come from national peer programs since GWU's own graduate outcomes are suppressed, but they reveal a disconnect: DC's liberal arts graduates at other schools typically earn $58,500—about $22,000 more than what national comparables suggest. Georgetown's reported $66,700 shows what's possible in this market, raising questions about whether GWU's program positions graduates to compete for similar DC opportunities or if many end up taking jobs in cheaper markets.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but context matters. For a school where only 15% of students receive Pell grants and average SAT scores hit 1433, families are likely paying substantial amounts beyond that $27,000 in loans. The broader financial picture—four years of DC living costs, full tuition for those not qualifying for aid—makes that $36,300 starting salary feel particularly modest. Similar liberal arts programs at less expensive schools produce the same national median outcome without the premium price tag.

If your child is set on GWU, understand that the degree's value depends almost entirely on their ability to leverage the school's DC connections into above-average opportunities. The general studies path offers flexibility but minimal career direction, which means the onus falls on your student to build internship experience and professional networks that justify the investment.