Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Liberal arts degrees often get dismissed as impractical, but IU Indianapolis graduates with this major are earning more than 75% of similar programs nationwide—and doing so with manageable debt. At $41,499 in the first year, these graduates outpace the national median by $5,000 and sit comfortably above Indiana's state median of $35,931. The debt load of $29,000 translates to a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than they'll make in their first year—a healthy position that many professional programs struggle to match.

The state comparison reveals something important: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Indiana's 39 liberal arts offerings, landing just below elite private options like Notre Dame ($45,579) but ahead of most alternatives. Four-year earnings of $43,495 show modest but steady growth, though don't expect dramatic salary jumps over time.

For families weighing an accessible state institution against pricier private schools, IU Indianapolis delivers strong value. Your child gets above-average outcomes at 81% admission rates, with debt that won't dominate their early career decisions. This isn't the flashiest degree path, but it's proving more financially sound than most liberal arts programs—both in Indiana and across the country.