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

Marshall University's liberal arts program lands squarely in middle territory—not the bargain you might hope for, but not an obvious mistake either. Graduates start at $32,282 (about $4,000 below the national median) and reach $36,014 after four years, which puts them barely above West Virginia's state median but well below what peers earn nationally. That 40th percentile ranking among West Virginia schools tells the real story: this program performs about average for the state, which itself lags behind national standards for liberal arts degrees.

The debt picture adds complexity. At $29,248, graduates carry slightly more debt than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means borrowers owe nearly a full year's starting salary. For context, other in-state options like West Virginia State University deliver starting salaries 15% higher, which dramatically improves the payback timeline. The modest 12% earnings growth over four years suggests graduate incomes stabilize rather than accelerate—you're not looking at a late-bloomer degree.

For West Virginia families prioritizing affordability and local employment, Marshall's liberal arts program functions as a serviceable regional credential. But parents should recognize they're paying roughly the same in debt as students nationwide while their graduate will earn considerably less. If your student is set on liberal arts and staying in-state, West Virginia State delivers better value at similar cost.