Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

NMSU's Liberal Arts program illustrates a common dilemma with general studies degrees: modest starting pay that improves steadily but never quite catches up to national standards. At $31,568 in year one, graduates earn about $5,000 less than the national median for this major, though they're right at the New Mexico state median. The $24,656 debt load equals the state average and runs slightly below national figures, creating a manageable but not comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78.

The 60th state percentile ranking matters here—among New Mexico's nine schools offering this degree, NMSU lands solidly in the middle. However, Eastern New Mexico's graduates earn $11,000 more in year one with this same credential, suggesting that program structure or local employment networks make a real difference. The 14% earnings growth to nearly $36,000 by year four shows graduates gain traction, but they're starting from a low base in a state where median household income hovers around $51,000.

For New Mexico families keeping their student in-state (where tuition advantages matter most), this program offers an affordable path to a bachelor's degree with reasonable debt. But the low national ranking—24th percentile—signals that similar programs elsewhere typically lead to better outcomes. Parents should weigh whether career goals genuinely require this broad credential or if a more specialized major might justify the investment better.