Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Union University

Union University's liberal arts program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $41,320—about $5,000 above the national benchmark for this degree. While the debt load of roughly $29,000 (based on comparable Tennessee programs) translates to a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, the earnings trajectory deserves attention. Graduates see their income drop 7% between year one and year four, falling to $38,385—an unusual pattern that suggests many may be taking entry-level positions that don't lead to advancement or transitioning to different career paths.

The program sits in the middle of Tennessee's liberal arts landscape. It's competitive with public options like Tennessee State and University of Memphis, but trails Lee University and Middle Tennessee State by several thousand dollars in first-year outcomes. For a moderately selective private school with a 47% admission rate, these results are solid but not exceptional. The estimated debt figure aligns with what similar Tennessee programs typically produce, suggesting financial aid packaging here is neither particularly generous nor concerning.

For parents, the key question is sustainability. Strong first-year placement above national averages is encouraging, but declining earnings over time means graduates need a clear plan for leveraging their degree into stable career growth. This works best for students who know how they'll apply the credential—whether through graduate school, specific career training, or fields where liberal arts skills translate to advancement—rather than those treating it as an exploratory degree.