Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana's liberal arts program offers one clear advantage: remarkably low debt levels that rank in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). The $17,707 median debt load is roughly $9,000 below what Indiana students typically borrow for this degree and nearly $10,000 below the national average. That's a meaningful financial cushion for graduates entering a field where starting salaries hover around $35,000.

The earnings trajectory tells a more complex story. First-year earnings of $34,573 trail both state and national medians by about $2,000, placing this program solidly in the middle of Indiana's pack—40th percentile statewide. However, graduates see respectable 31% wage growth by year four, reaching $45,153. That puts them neck-and-neck with much more selective programs like Notre Dame's liberal arts degree, suggesting that USI graduates make up ground over time rather than starting strong.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, the fundamental math works in families' favor here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary—a manageable burden that preserves financial flexibility while they establish careers. For Indiana families seeking an accessible liberal arts education without crippling debt, USI delivers the core promise that matters most: a degree you can actually afford to pay off.