Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,340
Est. from national median (424 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,662
Est. from national median (294 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from University of Guam likely produces outcomes in line with the national pattern for these programs: first-year earnings around $36,340 and debt near $26,662. While both figures are estimates based on peer institutions nationwide—the actual numbers for UG graduates could vary—they sketch a relatively balanced picture. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests that estimated debt is less than a year's salary, which is manageable compared to programs where debt exceeds annual earnings by a wide margin.

The challenge with liberal arts degrees is less about the initial numbers and more about career trajectory. These programs don't typically lead to a single professional path with predictable salary growth. Some graduates leverage the degree into fields like education, government work, or communications where earnings climb steadily; others face years of underemployment. Guam's limited economy adds another layer of uncertainty—opportunities may be more constrained than on the mainland, though public sector and tourism-related positions could provide stability.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student has a career plan that builds on the degree or if it's primarily about getting any bachelor's credential. The estimated debt load isn't alarming, but it assumes your student will find employment that actually requires the degree. Given the data limitations, talking directly with UG's career services about actual graduate outcomes would be worth your time.

Where University of Guam Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of GuamMangilao$6,110$36,340*—$26,662*—
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$103,135*—$11,935*0.12
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$84,066*$71,435$42,350*0.50
Molloy UniversityRockville Centre$37,840$74,868*—$31,000*0.41
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$72,333*$87,110$26,000*0.36
Champlain CollegeBurlington$45,550$71,207*—$23,949*0.34
National Median—$36,340*—$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Guam, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 424 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.