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

Based on comparable Liberal Arts programs across Illinois, students typically earn around $42,000 in their first year—placing Lewis exactly at the state median but notably above the national benchmark of $36,000. With an estimated $31,000 in debt, this program sits in the middle range for Illinois schools, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means you're looking at roughly nine months of gross income to cover total borrowing. That's manageable compared to programs where students owe more than a full year's salary, but it still represents a substantial burden for a generalist degree.

The challenge with general studies programs is that outcomes vary wildly based on what students do with the degree—and the schools with reported data in Illinois show this clearly. DePaul graduates earn double the state median, while others cluster much closer to Lewis's estimated range. This spread suggests the degree itself isn't determinative; what matters more is the career path students pursue afterward. For a family evaluating this investment, the key question becomes whether your student has a clear plan for leveraging this credential, whether that's graduate school, a specific career entry point, or skill development that makes them competitive for better-paying roles.

If your child is genuinely undecided about their major or needs flexibility while figuring out their direction, this represents a fairly typical financial outcome for a generalist bachelor's degree. But if they're choosing this path without intention, the debt load deserves serious conversation about post-graduation strategy.