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

University of St. Thomas graduates with general studies degrees are earning $53,187 just one year out—roughly $14,000 more than the Texas median and $17,000 above the national benchmark for this program. That places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, outperforming even UT Austin's liberal arts program. For a field often dismissed as impractical, these outcomes are remarkable and suggest the university's Houston location and career services are translating a broad-based education into real market value.

The $25,000 in typical debt sits slightly below state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a manageable debt load by any standard. The 93% admission rate indicates this isn't about selectivity driving outcomes; rather, the school appears to be doing something right in preparing students for Houston's diverse job market. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, these strong earnings are reaching students from various economic backgrounds.

For parents worried that a general studies degree lacks direction, St. Thomas demonstrates that a well-executed liberal arts program at a school with strong employer connections can deliver better financial outcomes than more "practical" majors at many other institutions. The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the pattern here is clear: this program punches well above its weight.