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

Texas Southern's Liberal Arts program starts graduates at $34,661—below both the Texas median ($38,829) and national average—but the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. By year four, earnings jump 31% to $45,403, reaching a level that actually surpasses what graduates from UT Austin earn at the same career stage. For a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (71%), this earnings acceleration suggests the degree opens doors that compound over time.

The challenge is the debt: at $48,500, it's nearly double the Texas median and among the highest 5% nationally for this major. That creates an uncomfortable first few years where graduates owe more than they earn annually. However, if that 31% growth pattern continues, the math improves considerably—though that's not guaranteed. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent actual outcomes but could shift with different cohorts.

Parents should recognize this as a calculated risk rather than a straightforward win. Your child would graduate with significant debt but into a program that has demonstrably helped similar students—many from modest economic backgrounds—build toward solid mid-career earnings. The key question: can your family manage those early years when debt exceeds income? If the answer is yes, or if you can reduce borrowing through scholarships or working, the long-term trajectory looks more promising than the starting salary suggests.