Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Mount Mary University

Based on comparable liberal arts programs in Wisconsin, graduates from this type of bachelor's degree typically earn around $44,000 in their first year—a figure that sits right at the state median but notably above the national benchmark of $36,000. The estimated $27,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning borrowers would owe roughly 62 cents for every dollar they earn in year one. That's workable on paper, though it assumes steady employment in a field where career paths can be diffuse.

The challenge with general studies degrees is less about the numbers and more about their lack of direction. Unlike programs that lead to specific careers, this credential opens many doors without pointing clearly toward any particular one. Mount Mary's student body—58% receive Pell grants—suggests many families are investing substantial resources relative to their means. For students without a concrete career plan or graduate school trajectory, this program carries real risk. The earnings floor for liberal arts grads can drop well below these estimates, particularly for those who struggle to translate the degree into employment.

If your student has a specific goal that requires this credential—teaching, graduate school, or a field where the liberal arts foundation matters—the estimated debt load won't sink them. But if they're undecided or choosing this major by default, spending $27,000 for a degree that could earn the same as comparable programs at less expensive Wisconsin public universities warrants serious reconsideration.