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

In Virginia, liberal arts programs at comparable schools typically produce first-year earnings around $41,400—which is where peer data suggests Shenandoah's program lands. That figure sits right at the state median but well below what several Virginia colleges are achieving with this same degree. James Madison and Bridgewater grads, for instance, earn $46,000-$49,000 in their first year, demonstrating that institutional factors matter significantly even within the same field.

The estimated $26,000 debt load isn't alarming by itself—it's actually slightly above the state median for similar programs but below the national benchmark. The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with roughly five months of gross salary needed to cover the total borrowed. However, the real question is whether this represents good value when other Virginia institutions appear to deliver substantially better earnings outcomes with comparable debt burdens.

Here's the practical concern: you're likely paying private university tuition (Shenandoah's admission rate and Pell student percentage suggest selective pricing) for outcomes that mirror the state average. If career services, alumni networks, or specific program features justify the cost, that calculation changes. But based purely on what peer programs suggest about earnings potential, families should understand they're not buying a clear financial advantage over less expensive public alternatives in Virginia.