Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Miami

University of Miami's liberal arts graduates earn $50,614 in their first year—40% above the national median and significantly higher than other Florida schools in this field. Among the 41 Florida institutions offering this program, UM ranks in the 80th percentile, topping even larger state universities like Florida State and USF. That's an impressive premium for what's often considered a "soft" major, though with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these figures should be interpreted carefully.

The earnings advantage comes with debt of $28,590, which translates to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio—better than many professional programs. What's less encouraging is the nearly flat earnings trajectory: graduates see only a 2% bump from year one to year four, suggesting these roles may plateau early. Still, starting at $50,000 provides a decent cushion, and UM's selective admission (19% acceptance rate) likely means graduates benefit from the university's brand and network in competitive job markets.

For parents weighing the investment, UM delivers outcomes that dramatically outperform typical liberal arts programs, both in Florida and nationally. The small sample size warrants caution—a few high earners could skew results—but the combination of strong first-year earnings and reasonable debt makes this a defensible choice. Just understand you're paying for credential value and connections rather than explosive salary growth.