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

A bachelor's in liberal arts at Radford faces stiff competition within Virginia, where similar programs at peer institutions report significantly stronger outcomes. While estimated figures suggest first-year earnings around $41,400—right at the state median—that's about $8,000 behind what graduates from James Madison, Bridgewater, and Longwood actually earn. The projected $24,500 in debt is manageable at roughly six months of annual earnings, but only if those earnings materialize as expected.

The challenge is that these figures are drawn from comparable Virginia programs, not Radford's actual graduate outcomes. With 91% of applicants admitted and 35% receiving Pell grants, Radford serves a broader student population than some of its higher-performing competitors, which could mean different employment outcomes. Liberal arts degrees require strong networking and internship connections to translate into solid earnings, and whether Radford provides those pathways isn't captured in peer program data.

For parents, this comes down to fit and alternatives. If your child is choosing between Radford and one of the Virginia schools with reported earnings in the mid-$40,000s, the data suggests those alternatives deliver better returns. If Radford offers unique advantages—location, specific faculty, campus culture—the estimated debt burden won't be crushing, but expect a tight first year financially while your graduate establishes their career.