Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of North Texas
Bachelor's Degree
unt.eduAnalysis
UNT's Liberal Arts program delivers surprisingly strong earnings growth despite a modest start. While graduates earn $36,588 in their first year—slightly below the Texas median of $38,829—they see impressive 36% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $50,000. This "fast riser" trajectory suggests the program builds valuable skills that employers increasingly recognize over time.
The debt picture is notably favorable. At $22,254, student debt is well below both the national median ($27,000) and Texas median ($26,875) for similar programs, ranking in the 79th percentile nationally for low debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans while building their careers. The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas liberal arts programs—middle of the pack but reasonable given UNT's accessible 72% admission rate.
While this isn't the highest-earning liberal arts program in Texas (UT Austin and private schools like University of St. Thomas significantly outperform), UNT offers solid value for the investment. The combination of below-average debt and strong earnings growth creates a financially viable path, especially for students seeking an affordable education at a well-established public university. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these outcomes reliable predictors.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $36,588 | $49,781 | +36% |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $47,241 | $60,690 | +28% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $45,243 | $59,458 | +31% |
| Texas State University | $38,829 | $52,889 | +36% |
| Wayland Baptist University | $44,688 | $52,558 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $36,588 | $49,781 | $22,254 | 0.61 |
 University of St ThomasHouston | $33,660 | $53,187 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
 University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio | $35,660 | $47,241 | $60,690 | $21,004 | 0.44 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $45,243 | $59,458 | $19,052 | 0.42 |
 Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview | $23,186 | $44,688 | $52,558 | $24,258 | 0.54 |
 Lamar UniversityBeaumont | $8,690 | $43,524 | $43,525 | $29,298 | 0.67 |
| National Median | — | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 799 graduates with reported earnings and 890 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.