Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's liberal arts program starts graduates behind the pack—about $4,400 below the Texas median—but shows something more valuable than a strong opening salary: consistent earning power that grows. By year four, graduates reach $44,934, nearly closing that initial gap through 31% income growth. This matters because many liberal arts degrees show earnings that plateau or even decline after the initial years.

The $24,419 debt load is notably lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as salaries climb. With 42% of students on Pell grants, UTSA serves a different population than UT-Austin or University of St. Thomas—schools whose liberal arts graduates start $10,000-$19,000 higher. The question isn't whether this matches elite outcomes, but whether it provides accessible upward mobility.

For families weighing an affordable liberal arts path, this program offers reasonable debt with demonstrated earning growth, though students should understand they'll start several thousand below peers at Texas A&M or UT-Austin. The trajectory matters more than the starting point here, and UTSA graduates appear to build momentum over time rather than stagnating in entry-level roles.