Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Merrimack College

Merrimack's Liberal Arts program lands right at the state median, with similar programs in Massachusetts producing first-year earnings around $39,141 against estimated debt of $26,750. That 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory—borrowers would owe roughly two-thirds of their first year's salary. The challenge is that this represents the middle of the pack in a state where liberal arts outcomes vary wildly, from MIT's six-figure earnings down to programs barely breaking $30,000.

The broader concern here is what these estimates reveal about the field itself. Nationally, liberal arts bachelor's degrees produce a median of $36,340, and Massachusetts performs only slightly better. Even the state's stronger programs—places like Endicott College at $45,000—don't offer dramatic earning premiums. The estimated debt load is manageable under standard repayment plans, but there's little cushion for setbacks or career exploration in those early years.

For families considering Merrimack, the key question is whether this credential opens doors that justify the investment. These estimated figures suggest a program that performs about average in a field where "average" means modest starting salaries and limited room for error. If your student has a clear path leveraging this degree—graduate school, a specific career track, strong networking opportunities—the numbers work. Without that clarity, comparable programs at Massachusetts state schools might deliver similar outcomes with less financial risk.