Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Vermont

Vermont's liberal arts programs show a wide spread—from nearly $20,000 to over $70,000 in first-year earnings—and this program's estimated $42,000 falls squarely in the middle. Based on data from similar programs statewide, that figure actually matches Vermont's median for liberal arts bachelor's degrees and sits comfortably above the national median of $36,340. The estimated $26,662 in debt is slightly below both state and national benchmarks, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 that suggests manageable repayment for most graduates.

The challenge with general studies degrees is their broad nature—outcomes depend heavily on what students do with them. Unlike vocational programs that lead to clear career paths, these degrees prepare graduates for diverse fields, which explains both the wide earnings variation and why Vermont's estimate represents an average across different career trajectories. UVM's stronger academic profile (SAT scores above 1350, selective admission) may help graduates compete for better opportunities than these peer-program averages suggest, though it's impossible to confirm without actual outcome data for this specific cohort.

For parents, the estimation here matters: you're betting on outcomes that could range significantly based on your student's focus area and post-graduation plans. The middle-of-the-pack debt load offers some cushion, but with comparable programs producing anything from $19,000 to $71,000, understanding what specific concentration or career path your student will pursue becomes essential to judging whether this investment makes sense.