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

Oakland University's general studies program starts modestly at $36,157 but demonstrates something important: graduates earn $47,030 by year four—a 30% jump that outpaces most liberal arts programs. However, this still lands in just the 40th percentile among Michigan schools, trailing dedicated liberal arts institutions like Spring Arbor ($47,121) and Siena Heights ($44,746) by meaningful margins. For a state university with a 70% admission rate, these outcomes suggest the program serves its purpose but doesn't stand out.

The financial equation looks manageable on paper—$28,000 in debt against first-year earnings creates a 0.77 ratio, slightly better than the national median. Yet parents should recognize that even with solid earnings growth, this program will never position their child at the top of Michigan's liberal arts market. The strongest earners from this degree likely succeed through internships, double majors, or career planning that goes well beyond the curriculum itself.

For families keeping a Michigan student in-state for cost reasons, this works—but barely. The debt level is reasonable and earnings trajectory is positive, making this a safe if unspectacular choice. If your child knows they want liberal arts but hasn't committed to a specific career path, Oakland provides a foundation without breaking the bank. Just understand they'll need to be strategic about building marketable skills alongside their degree.