Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia's liberal arts program starts graduates at just $22,000—barely above minimum wage—ranking it in the bottom 10% of Virginia programs and the bottom 5% nationally. While earnings do climb 59% to $35,000 by year four, that still leaves graduates earning $6,400 below the state median and $1,300 below the national average for this degree. For comparison, James Madison and Bridgewater graduates in the same field earn over $46,000 in their early career. Even Liberty University, another Virginia faith-based institution, produces earnings 22% higher.

The relatively modest $18,500 debt load is the program's saving grace—it's below both state and national medians. But that advantage doesn't offset starting salaries that make loan repayment challenging. The 0.84 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one means graduates are carrying debt equal to 84% of their first-year income, a tight squeeze for basic living expenses and loan payments.

For families considering Southern Virginia's open-admission model and lower debt as a safer path, the earnings data tells a different story. Your child could attend a mid-tier Virginia public university, potentially carry slightly more debt, but earn $12,000-$15,000 more annually from day one. That income difference compounds year after year, making this a questionable value despite the lower sticker price. Unless there are compelling non-financial reasons to attend, stronger Virginia options exist at similar or better cost-effectiveness.