Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Truman State University

Truman State's Liberal Arts program sits in the middle of Missouri's pack, with estimates based on comparable programs suggesting around $37,600 in first-year earnings—essentially matching the state median but trailing the stronger performers by $10,000 or more. The estimated $27,700 in debt yields a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, right in line with the national benchmark for these degrees, which signals neither exceptional value nor cause for alarm.

What's worth noting is the school's selectivity profile—an average SAT of 1249 and just 15% of students on Pell grants—suggests Truman attracts academically stronger students than many regional publics. Yet the estimated earnings for this general studies degree don't appear to capitalize on that advantage the way more focused programs might. Liberal arts degrees at this level tend to serve as launching pads for graduate school or fields where the initial salary understates long-term potential, but that makes the financial picture harder to predict.

The practical question: Can your family handle roughly $28,000 in debt on earnings that might start in the high $30,000s? That monthly payment would be substantial but not crushing for someone living modestly. However, given the wide variation in outcomes for general studies majors and the lack of specific data for Truman's graduates, you'd want to understand what specific career path or graduate program your child envisions before committing.