Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Similar liberal arts programs across Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—essentially matching the national median for these degrees—paired with $27,000 in debt. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first year's income. For a bachelor's degree at a small private college serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body, these estimates suggest financial outcomes that are neither exceptional nor alarming.

The challenge lies in what these broad-based liberal arts degrees represent in today's market. While Notre Dame's liberal arts graduates command $45,000+ in their first year, the typical Indiana program—and by extension, likely Saint Mary-of-the-Woods—produces more modest initial returns. The question for families isn't whether the debt is crushing (it's not), but whether a general studies degree offers enough career direction to justify the investment when more specialized programs often provide clearer employment pathways.

For families considering this program, the key is honest career planning before enrollment. With actual outcomes unavailable for this specific cohort, you're betting on state averages holding true. The debt load is reasonable *if* your student has a concrete plan for converting a liberal arts education into employment—whether through internships, networking, or graduate school preparation. Without that plan, even manageable debt can feel heavy when job prospects remain unclear after graduation.