Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Miami University-Middletown

Miami University-Middletown's liberal arts program hits its mark financially, with first-year earnings of $40,556 placing it above 70% of similar programs nationally. The debt load of $31,000—lower than 83% of comparable programs—creates a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio. This is solid ground for a general studies degree, though parents should note that earnings in Ohio for this field cluster tightly around $40,000 regardless of institution.

The concern here is minimal growth: earnings inch up just $1,000 over four years to $41,606. Compare this to Ohio State's liberal arts graduates who start at $43,393, or even Xavier's at $47,064, and the gap likely widens rather than closes over time. While Middletown's program costs less upfront, that modest salary ceiling means the initial advantage diminishes as careers progress.

For a student planning to stay in Ohio and needing an affordable path to a bachelor's degree, this program delivers reasonable value—you're looking at manageable debt and first-year earnings that match the state median. But if your child has options at more selective Ohio schools, the higher starting salaries at places like Ohio State or Xavier typically justify the additional investment for liberal arts majors.