Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's liberal arts graduates earn remarkably well—$48,829 in their first year puts them ahead of 95% of similar programs nationally and 80% within Missouri. That's nearly $35,000 more than the typical liberal arts graduate nationwide and $11,000 above Missouri's median. Only William Jewell College produces higher-earning liberal arts graduates in the state. For a program often criticized for poor post-graduation prospects, these outcomes stand out.

The concern here isn't the earnings—it's the price tag. With $54,581 in median debt (double both national and state medians), students are borrowing heavily to access this program. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 means graduates leave owing more than their first year's salary, which creates real financial pressure despite the strong earnings. That debt burden matters more when you're making $48,000 rather than $100,000, even if it's exceptional for the field.

The caveat: this data comes from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so these numbers might not hold for future cohorts. If your child is considering this program, the earnings potential appears genuine—Saint Louis University clearly opens doors that most liberal arts programs don't. But prospective families should explore whether they can minimize borrowing through scholarships or in-state options, because that debt level transforms an otherwise impressive outcome into a financially challenging start.