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

In Virginia's liberal arts landscape, comparable programs typically produce first-year earnings around $41,000—right at the state median but trailing stronger performers like James Madison ($49,408) and Bridgewater College ($46,820) by 15-20%. The estimated $26,000 debt load suggested by similar Virginia programs would put borrowers in a manageable position with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, though the four-year earnings jump to $64,432 hints at the delayed payoff common to general liberal arts degrees.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates—both the debt and first-year earnings figures come from peer programs rather than Marymount's actual outcomes. This matters because general studies degrees vary enormously in quality and career preparation depending on how schools structure them. Marymount's 81% admission rate and location in Arlington (with its proximity to federal agencies and nonprofits) could work in graduates' favor, but without actual earnings data, you're essentially betting on Marymount matching the performance of other Virginia liberal arts programs.

If your child is set on this path, the debt level appears reasonable and the four-year earnings suggest eventual stability. However, you're making this decision without knowing whether Marymount's program actually delivers the state-typical outcomes these estimates assume. Ask the school directly about graduate employment rates and career services—those concrete supports matter more than estimated figures when you're investing in such a broad credential.