Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Our Lady of the Lake University

Is a bachelor's in liberal arts worth $27,000 in debt when earnings start near $39,000? Based on similar Texas programs, graduates typically face about 70 cents in debt for every dollar they earn in year one—a manageable starting point compared to many bachelor's degrees. These estimated earnings match the Texas median for liberal arts programs and sit slightly above the national benchmark of $36,340, suggesting this program performs roughly on par with peer institutions statewide.

The challenge becomes clearer when you look at Texas's top performers in this field. Programs at University of St. Thomas and University of the Incarnate Word—both private schools like Our Lady of the Lake—report first-year earnings of $53,000 and $47,000 respectively. That $8,000 to $14,000 gap represents real money when you're paying down loans. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on post-graduation income to justify the investment.

The core question is whether this degree opens doors to careers that grow beyond that $39,000 starting point. Liberal arts degrees often serve as foundations for graduate school or specific career pivots, but they require intentional planning. If your child has a clear path forward—whether that's law school, teaching certification, or a field where this degree meets entry requirements—the debt load is reasonable. Without that plan, you're betting on job market outcomes that peer data suggests are middling at best.