Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Pontifical College Josephinum
Bachelor's Degree
pcj.eduAnalysis
A Liberal Arts bachelor's degree at Pontifical College Josephinum appears financially manageable based on what similar programs in Ohio deliver. Peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $40,600 with debt near $27,600—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 that falls well within sustainable territory. This puts graduates in position to handle their loans while building careers, though the ceiling may be lower than at some of Ohio's larger universities where comparable programs report earnings in the mid-to-upper $40,000s.
The limitation here isn't the debt burden but the earning potential itself. Liberal Arts degrees at this level typically start around $36,000 nationally, so Ohio's median is slightly better, but this isn't a high-earning field regardless of where you study it. The low Pell grant percentage (just 9%) suggests Josephinum serves a financially advantaged population, which may matter if your family is budget-conscious and comparing aid packages across schools.
For families considering this program, the key question is career direction. If your child has clear post-graduate plans—teaching certification, graduate school, or a specific field where Liberal Arts provides the foundation—the modest debt makes sense. Without that direction, spending four years and $27,000 for earnings that barely exceed what many associate degree programs deliver deserves serious scrutiny. The financial risk is contained, but so is the upside.
Where Pontifical College Josephinum Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (61 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,829 | $40,556* | — | $27,625* | — | |
| $48,125 | $47,064* | $58,310 | $23,250* | 0.49 | |
| — | $46,487* | $44,094 | $29,832* | 0.64 | |
| $12,859 | $43,393* | $38,118 | $21,250* | 0.49 | |
| $7,272 | $41,205* | $43,439 | $31,963* | 0.78 | |
| $7,272 | $41,205* | $43,439 | $31,963* | 0.78 | |
| National Median | — | $36,340* | — | $27,000* | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pontifical College Josephinum, approximately 9% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 25 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.