Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,025
Est. from KY median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (162 programs)

Analysis

A liberal arts bachelor's degree from Lindsey Wilson College appears to track closely with other Kentucky programs in this field, though the actual outcomes for this specific school remain uncertain due to limited graduate data. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, nearly identical to the national median for this major. The estimated $27,000 in debt falls right at the national benchmark, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77—manageable by conventional standards, though it means spending more than three-quarters of a first-year salary to cover educational debt.

The challenge with general studies programs is their variability: while a handful of Kentucky schools report strong outcomes (Thomas More grads earn $62,000), most cluster in the mid-$30,000 range. For families at Lindsey Wilson—where half of students receive Pell grants—this matters enormously. A $35,000 starting salary can support loan payments, but leaves little cushion for other financial goals or setbacks. The question isn't whether these numbers are sustainable in isolation, but whether they represent sufficient return given your child's specific career plans and the opportunity cost of four years.

Before committing, you'll want clarity on two things: what specific career path your child intends to pursue with this degree, and whether Lindsey Wilson's career services can help translate a general studies credential into actual job opportunities that justify the investment.

Where Lindsey Wilson College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lindsey Wilson CollegeColumbia$27,274$35,025*—$27,000*—
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills$38,400$62,607*—$29,358*0.47
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$37,602*$45,457$28,750*0.76
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond$10,130$35,958*$33,573$31,000*0.86
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green$11,436$35,746*$33,939$28,892*0.81
Murray State UniversityMurray$9,708$34,304*$40,665$28,162*0.82
National Median—$36,340*—$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lindsey Wilson College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.