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

A nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio—$33,410 borrowed against an estimated first-year salary of $35,398—means graduates of similar liberal arts programs in Washington face roughly a year's income in debt right out of college. For a private university like Gonzaga where tuition runs high, this debt burden tracks above the state median of $22,881 for comparable programs, though it's still below the national median. The earnings picture, drawing from peer liberal arts programs across Washington, sits right at the state median but trails significantly behind what graduates from Whitworth or Washington State University report earning.

The challenge is that liberal arts degrees are inherently versatile but lack clear career pathways, which can mean slower salary growth in those crucial early years when debt payments hit hardest. Programs at nearby schools report earnings $4,600 to $11,000 higher in that first year, which makes a material difference when you're budgeting loan payments. The debt load here—while manageable if a graduate lands steady work—leaves less room for the exploration and lower-paid "stepping stone" jobs that often come with this degree path.

Your takeaway: This program's estimated financials suggest a tight margin between what you'll owe and what you'll earn initially. If your student is targeting a specific career that values this credential and has a solid internship or networking plan, the Gonzaga name might justify the cost. Without that clarity, programs with lower debt or higher reported outcomes offer more breathing room.