Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT's Liberal Arts program lands squarely in the middle of national outcomes, but carries about $3,000 more debt than the typical New York liberal arts degree. With first-year earnings around $36,300 and debt at $28,000, graduates face a manageable but not impressive financial starting point. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within acceptable ranges, though it's worth noting that among New York's 87 programs in this field, this one ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings—meaning 40% of comparable in-state programs deliver better outcomes.

The modest 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests limited career acceleration in the immediate post-graduation years. While RIT commands respect for its technical programs, its liberal arts offering produces outcomes that mirror the national median almost exactly. Parents considering full out-of-state tuition should think carefully here, as New York residents could access similar outcomes at lower cost elsewhere in the state. The top New York programs in this field deliver earnings nearly double what RIT produces, though those schools (like Cornell) come with their own cost premiums.

For families: This program works if your student wants RIT's campus experience and co-op culture at a known quantity, but it's not delivering outsized returns. The debt load is manageable, earnings are average, and the trajectory is steady—which means this is a reasonable choice if RIT fits for other reasons, but not one that justifies stretching financially.