Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Midwestern State University

A liberal arts bachelor's degree from Midwestern State would leave graduates with an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67—manageable territory where the first year's salary substantially exceeds what's owed. Based on comparable Texas programs, graduates typically earn around $38,800 in their first year, slightly above the national median for this field, while carrying roughly $26,175 in debt. For a school serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (40%), these estimates suggest an accessible path to a four-year degree without crushing financial burden.

The challenge lies in the earnings ceiling. Top liberal arts programs in Texas—places like UT Austin and University of St. Thomas—report graduates earning $45,000 to $53,000, suggesting that where you earn this degree matters considerably for initial job placement. Whether Midwestern State's outcomes align with the state median or fall below it remains unclear given the small graduate sample, and that uncertainty should weigh into your decision when private sector opportunities in Wichita Falls are limited compared to larger Texas metros.

For families prioritizing affordability and credential completion, the estimated numbers pencil out reasonably well. But if maximizing early career earnings is the goal, you'd want to understand what specific support Midwestern State provides for job placement and whether graduates typically stay in the region or relocate to markets with stronger demand for generalist bachelor's degrees.