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

Lamar University's liberal arts program delivers something rare: graduates earning 20% above the national median for this degree right out of the gate. At $43,524, first-year earnings place this program in the 83rd percentile nationally—legitimately strong numbers for a degree that typically struggles in the job market.

The complication is that earnings flatline completely after graduation. Four years out, the median stays at $43,525, suggesting graduates land decent entry-level positions but face limited advancement. Within Texas, this program sits at the 60th percentile—respectable but trailing schools like St. Thomas ($53,187) and UT Austin ($45,243) by meaningful margins. The debt load of $29,298 is slightly above both state and national medians, though the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable compared to many liberal arts programs.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether your child plans to pursue graduate school or build skills outside the degree itself. The strong starting salary suggests Lamar's location and connections in the Beaumont area create real opportunities, but the zero earnings growth indicates this degree alone may not open doors to career progression. If your child sees this as a foundation for further education or plans to develop professional skills through internships and networking, the solid starting point makes Lamar a reasonable choice. If they expect the degree itself to drive long-term career growth, the stagnant earnings trajectory should shift the calculation.