Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Michigan Technological University

At $28,926 in estimated debt for first-year earnings around $37,900, this liberal arts program sits right at Michigan's median for the field—which means it's neither a standout nor a disaster, but rather reflects the baseline reality of humanities degrees statewide. That 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, though it's worth noting that several Michigan schools report better outcomes, with top programs showing first-year earnings in the mid-$40,000s.

The challenge here is Michigan Tech's identity. This is an engineering-focused school where 82% of students don't receive Pell grants and the average SAT hits 1243—metrics suggesting families expect technical career pathways and strong returns. A liberal arts degree estimated at state-median performance doesn't align with what most families invest in Michigan Tech for. Similar programs elsewhere in Michigan produce comparable results, often at lower total cost.

For families considering this route: the estimated numbers suggest solid fundamentals but no particular advantage. If your student genuinely wants liberal arts at an engineering school for the unique environment, the debt load isn't crushing. But if they're uncertain about their direction or hoping Michigan Tech's brand will lift humanities earnings, peer data doesn't support that expectation. The school's strengths lie elsewhere.