Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Paul Quinn College

Based on similar programs in Texas, a general studies bachelor's degree from Paul Quinn College appears to track close to typical outcomes for this field—estimated first-year earnings around $38,800 and debt near $27,400. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly 8-9 months of their first year's salary. However, these figures represent the Texas median for liberal arts programs, not Paul Quinn's actual graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education doesn't publish due to small sample sizes.

The bigger question is whether this particular credential opens enough doors to justify the investment. General studies degrees often serve students who need flexibility or are completing requirements interrupted elsewhere, but they rarely compete with specialized majors for entry-level positions. The top-performing liberal arts programs in Texas—like UT Austin and University of St. Thomas—show graduates earning $45,000 to $53,000, suggesting that institutional reputation and alumni networks significantly impact outcomes in this broad field.

For families considering Paul Quinn, the 70% Pell Grant rate indicates a mission-focused institution serving students who might not have traditional four-year options. If your student needs to finish a degree while working or transferring credits, the estimated debt load isn't catastrophic. But if they're starting fresh and have access to more selective programs, those alternatives could provide better earning potential with similar or lower debt, particularly if the goal is immediate financial return rather than degree completion alone.