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

Nelson University's liberal arts program starts slowly but shows unusually strong earnings growth—graduates see their income jump 36% from $34,800 in year one to $47,354 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the below-average starting salary, which lands in the 40th percentile among Texas liberal arts programs. By year four, earnings actually exceed most Texas competitors outside the top-tier programs. The debt burden of $29,875 is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio, and sits below the national median for this major.

The delayed payoff pattern fits what you'd expect from a school serving a large Pell-eligible population (50%)—these graduates often need time to establish careers. While the University of Texas at Austin and University of St. Thomas show stronger initial outcomes, Nelson's year-four earnings close much of that gap at roughly half the cost of private alternatives. For families considering a liberal arts degree, this represents a more affordable entry point with genuine earnings potential.

The trade-off is clear: expect a modest first job out of college, but the data suggests graduates develop marketable skills that improve their earning power within a few years. For students who can weather the early-career period—perhaps with family support or by living at home initially—this program delivers solid mid-term returns without excessive debt.