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

Similar programs across Illinois suggest this Liberal Arts degree path leads to first-year earnings around $42,000—right at the state median and notably above the $36,000 national benchmark for these programs. The estimated $31,000 in debt yields a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly nine months of gross income to cover what borrowers typically owe. That's manageable by standard measures, though it assumes steady employment in work that actually pays at these levels.

The challenge with general studies degrees is their broad nature cuts both ways. The earnings range for comparable Illinois programs is enormous—from $42,000 at the median up to $84,000 at DePaul—suggesting outcomes depend heavily on what students do with the degree after graduation. Without specific program data for Millikin, you're evaluating whether the school's resources, network, and career support justify private tuition for a credential that doesn't lead to a defined career path the way nursing or accounting does.

For parents, the key question is whether your student has a clear plan for converting this degree into employment. The estimated numbers suggest it can work financially, but only if there's intentional direction—whether that's leveraging internships, building specific skills, or pursuing further credentials. A liberal arts degree at this debt level requires strategic thinking about what comes next, not just four years of exploration.