Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Oakland City University

Oakland City's liberal arts bachelor's looks financially manageable based on peer programs in Indiana, but it's important to understand what you're evaluating. With fewer than 10 graduates tracked, the Department of Education couldn't publish this program's actual outcomes, so both the $35,931 earnings estimate and $27,000 debt figure come from similar programs across the state. That earnings figure lands right at Indiana's median for liberal arts degrees and tracks closely with the national benchmark of $36,340—suggesting this is what the field typically delivers, not necessarily what Oakland City alumni are earning.

The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable borrowing if these estimates hold true, with less than a year's income needed to cover the debt load. However, Indiana's top liberal arts programs—Notre Dame, Indiana Wesleyan, and Indianapolis—report first-year earnings $8,000 to $10,000 higher, raising questions about whether all liberal arts degrees produce equal career momentum. The small graduate cohort here means you're essentially betting on state norms rather than proven track record.

For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether a general liberal arts degree—from any school—aligns with your child's career plans. The modest debt burden provides breathing room, but the earnings trajectory depends heavily on what students do with this foundation. If your child has a clear path for applying this degree, the financial picture is reasonable. Without that direction, you're paying for exploration at a school where outcomes aren't yet documented.