Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Saint Peter's University

Borrowing $29,750 for a liberal arts degree that leads to estimated first-year earnings of $38,032 places Saint Peter's students in a manageable but not enviable position. Similar programs across New Jersey suggest graduates can expect to earn right around the state median, which means annual loan payments would consume roughly 9% of pre-tax income under standard repayment—tolerable, but leaving little room for surprises. More than half of students here receive Pell grants, indicating many families are already stretching financially to make college work.

The comparison to other New Jersey programs is sobering. While Saint Peter's estimated earnings align with the state median, schools like Thomas Edison State and Rowan report outcomes 15-30% higher for the same credential. The debt load here sits above both state and national medians for liberal arts degrees, which compounds the disadvantage. For a degree that's fundamentally about developing broad skills rather than specialized credentials, these numbers suggest students aren't gaining an earnings edge that would justify the premium in borrowing.

The real question is whether a general liberal arts bachelor's—from any school—makes financial sense without a clear post-graduation plan. If your child has a specific graduate school path or career trajectory in mind where this serves as a stepping stone, the numbers work. If they're exploring options or hoping the degree itself opens doors, comparable programs with lower debt or higher earnings offer better odds.