Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College's liberal arts program delivers concerning financial outcomes that should give any parent pause. With first-year earnings of just $26,328—ranking in only the 12th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within Washington state—graduates earn significantly less than the national median of $36,340 and state median of $35,398. Even after four years, earnings reach only $34,150, still trailing both benchmarks substantially.

The debt picture adds to the concern. At $21,354, student debt sits in the 82nd percentile nationally (meaning most programs have lower debt), and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates owe about 10 months of their first year's salary. While this isn't catastrophic, it's problematic when paired with below-average earnings potential. Looking at Washington's competitive landscape, top programs like Antioch University-Seattle and Whitworth University produce graduates earning $44,000+—nearly $10,000 more than Evergreen's four-year mark.

The 30% earnings growth from year one to four does show positive momentum, but graduates are essentially catching up to where other programs start. With 97% admission rates and broad accessibility, Evergreen serves an important educational mission, but parents should understand they're likely paying for personal growth and intellectual exploration rather than strong career launching power. Consider whether your child needs the specific educational philosophy Evergreen offers, because the financial returns lag significantly behind alternatives.