Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Louisiana at Monroe

A liberal arts degree from University of Louisiana at Monroe produces modest but steady earnings growth, with graduates earning $35,951 initially and reaching $44,375 by year four—a 23% increase that beats many humanities programs where incomes stagnate. While the starting salary sits just below the national median, it outperforms most Louisiana competitors, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. For families concerned about keeping costs down while staying in-state, ULM delivers better returns than 11 of the 18 other Louisiana schools offering this degree.

The $26,844 debt load is manageable, translating to a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe less than what they'll make in their first year. This is reasonable territory for a general studies degree, though families should understand that liberal arts paths typically require additional credentials or years of experience before reaching higher income levels. The moderate sample size suggests consistent, if unspectacular, outcomes.

For Louisiana families weighing in-state options, ULM offers a practical middle ground: lower debt than flagship programs and better earning potential than most regional competitors. It's not a financial home run, but it provides a foundation for career building without crushing debt burdens.