Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Manhattan Christian College

Similar liberal arts programs in Kansas suggest this degree comes with a debt load that's manageable but not trivial—an estimated $29,000 financing first-year earnings around $41,200. That 0.70 ratio means roughly seven months of gross income going toward what you borrowed, which is workable if employment is stable. The challenge is that liberal arts degrees at this level rarely lead to defined career paths, so that $41,200 represents an average across graduates doing very different things—some in steady professional roles, others cobbling together lower-wage work while figuring out next steps.

What gives context here is that Manhattan Christian's estimate aligns with the Kansas median for this major, putting it in the middle of the pack statewide. Fort Hays and KU graduates earn slightly more, but we're talking about differences of a thousand or two, not enough to change the fundamental calculation. The real question is whether your student has a clear plan for what comes after graduation. A liberal arts degree can be valuable preparation for graduate school, ministry, teaching certification, or careers where relationship skills matter more than technical training—but it rarely pays off when treated as a default choice.

For families where that $29,000 represents significant sacrifice, you're entitled to a clearer answer about post-graduation plans than "I'll figure it out." The degree won't close doors, but it won't open specific ones either.