Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of St Francis

A bachelor's in liberal arts from a private university leaves students with an estimated $31,000 in debt—higher than both state and national medians for this degree—while comparable Illinois programs suggest first-year earnings around $42,100. That's right at the state median but roughly $6,000 above the national typical outcome for these degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates should be able to manage payments, though it's worth noting that similar programs at other Illinois private schools report widely varying results.

The challenge with liberal arts degrees is their breadth—they prepare students for diverse career paths but don't lead to a single clear occupational outcome. The estimated earnings figure reflects what peers across Illinois typically make, which includes everything from nonprofit work to business roles to graduate school preparation. At 37% Pell grant enrollment, University of St Francis serves a significant population of students for whom that $31,000 debt burden could be more difficult to carry, even with manageable payments on paper.

For families considering this investment, the key question is career direction. If your student has a clear plan leveraging the degree toward specific employment or graduate study, the numbers work. If they're still exploring, the debt load warrants serious conversation about whether a less expensive option—potentially starting at community college or choosing a public university—might offer more financial breathing room while they figure things out.