Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor's liberal arts graduates earn $47,121 in their first year—nearly $10,000 more than Michigan's median for this degree and $11,000 above the national average. That 95th percentile national ranking is impressive for a program that's often criticized for weak earnings potential. Among Michigan's 29 schools offering this degree, Spring Arbor sits comfortably in the 60th percentile, outperforming even the University of Michigan's liberal arts program by $9,000.

The $30,657 in typical debt falls right in line with both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65—meaning graduates owe about eight months' salary. This is manageable territory for a liberal arts degree, especially when first-year earnings are this strong. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these outcomes are reliable enough to take seriously.

For families concerned about the practicality of a liberal arts education, Spring Arbor appears to have cracked the code. Whether through strong regional employer relationships, better career services, or student selection, this program delivers earnings that contradict the stereotype of humanities graduates struggling financially. The price tag is standard, but the payoff is above average.