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

Indiana State's liberal arts program leaves graduates earning about $2,500 less than the Indiana median and nearly $3,000 below the national average—placing it in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters more than it might seem: while starting at $33,414 isn't dramatically lower, Indiana has 39 schools offering this degree, and several public options produce graduates earning $8,000-$12,000 more within the first year. The debt load of $28,750 is actually slightly above state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 that's workable but not comfortable.

The comparison to Indiana's stronger performers is telling. Even fellow public institution IU Indianapolis sends liberal arts graduates out earning $41,499—a full 24% more than Indiana State. For a family considering in-state options, that difference compounds over time. The 92% admission rate and high proportion of Pell grant recipients (39%) suggest Indiana State serves students who need affordable access, but "access" and "value" aren't the same thing.

If your child is set on this major and needs the flexibility of Indiana State's location or structure, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if other Indiana publics are feasible, the earnings data suggests looking at programs where liberal arts graduates gain stronger traction in the job market. This isn't a terrible outcome—it's just a below-average one in a state with better options.