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

A bachelor's in liberal arts from Nazareth sits squarely in the middle of what similar New York programs produce—estimated first-year earnings around $36,000 and debt just under $25,000. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary, which is manageable by most standards. But the gap between this program and New York's highest performers is striking: the top liberal arts programs in the state generate starting salaries exceeding $45,000, with Molloy's grads earning more than double at nearly $75,000.

The challenge here isn't the debt load—it's what you're buying with it. Liberal arts degrees are broad by design, which can mean flexibility or lack of direction depending on how students use them. Based on comparable programs across New York, this path doesn't appear to unlock premium earning potential the way more specialized degrees might. The figures suggest a credential that gets you into the workforce at a modest salary, not one that commands immediate market value.

For parents investing nearly $25,000 in student debt, the question becomes whether this general foundation is enough. If your child has a clear plan to leverage the degree—graduate school, a specific career path where the credential matters, or strong internship connections—the numbers work. If they're uncertain about direction after graduation, that $36,000 starting salary won't leave much room for exploration while managing loan payments.