Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of North Texas at Dallas

When over half your students qualify for federal financial aid, as they do at University of North Texas at Dallas, the gap between estimated earnings and actual outcomes matters enormously. Similar liberal arts programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $38,800 with debt near $26,200—figures that put this program squarely at the state median. That's a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means graduates would owe roughly eight months of gross pay. For context, peer programs at UT Austin and University of St. Thomas report considerably higher earnings ($45,200 and $53,200 respectively), though those schools serve different student populations.

The challenge here isn't the debt load itself—it's reasonable for a bachelor's degree—but rather what these estimated earnings buy in Dallas's job market. A general liberal arts degree without a clear professional pathway means your child needs a plan for translating this credential into career momentum, whether through internships, targeted skill development, or graduate school. The 94% admission rate and high Pell Grant enrollment suggest UNT Dallas serves students who may lack alternative options, but that doesn't change the economic calculus: this estimated earnings trajectory requires intentional career planning from day one to justify the investment.